Day three of the 2024 NFL Draft is winding down and the Dallas Cowboys have made five picks so far.
They have addressed left tackle, defensive end, center, linebacker, and added depth at cornerback with their first pick of day three.
It was a long wait for the Cowboys' first pick of day three. A total of 87 picks passed between the 87th overall pick of the third round and the 174th pick of the 5th round.
After selecting CB Caelen Carson from Wake Forest, there are still other needs in the draft that haven't been covered.
Namely depth at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and running back.
With the 216th overall pick in the 6th round, the Dallas Cowboys select WR Ryan Flournoy from Southeast Missouri State.
I have to be honest. I've never heard of this player. USC wide receiver and son of legend Jerry Rice was still on the board and I was hoping Brenden Rice would be the pick.
Either that or a defensive tackle like Leonard Taylor III from Miami.
Where Does He Fit?
As I mentioned above, I don't know much at all about WR Ryan Flournoy so allow me to recite the scouting report from NFL.com.
Flournoy offers size and football character that is pro-caliber but has areas where he must improve. Against off-man, Flournoy utilizes his size and ball skills to stack catches. Against press, however, he can be tardy off the release and becomes reliant on physicality over route acumen to create throwing windows for his quarterback. The route running is undisciplined but can be sharpened with work. The lack of suddenness could hold him back against tight man coverage, though. Flournoy had some memorable reps at the Senior Bowl, which could make him a Day 3 pick with a shot at a roster spot.
NFL.com also lists his strengths:
- Possesses size and physique of an NFL target.
- Commitment to vertical push in drive phase of the route.
- Works back into top positioning on throws underneath.
- Catches with sudden, sticky hands and has a feel for congestion around him.
- Elusive and physical with the ball in his hands.
- Head coach raves about coachability and team-first mentality.
The scouting report also comments that his NFL prediction is an above-average special teamer who may contribute on offense.
Flournoy can provide valuable depth to the special teams unit, and possibly could improve enough under WR Coach Robert Prince to contribute to the offense in 2025.
