The Dallas Cowboys have gone from an excellent duo in Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup to an even scarier trio after drafting CeeDee Lamb in the 2020 NFL Draft. These three are expected to put up some astronomical numbers this season and beyond, quite possibly becoming the next “Greatest Show on Turf”. But what about the current depth behind them? Where do the Cowboys stand there?
Despite having arguably the best WR trio in the NFL, the Cowboys have to make sure they’re doing their due diligence to fill out the receiving corps with the best players possible. After all, both Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup struggled with injuries last year, making WR depth all the more important. Having someone capable of stepping in and picking up the slack is a must, even with CeeDee Lamb in the mix.
That’s where I believe veteran WR Devin Smith comes into play.
Devin Smith is a former second-round pick (37th overall) by the New York Jets, the seventh WR drafted in 2015. He’s an intriguing candidate who provides a unique skill set Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb don’t possess. His uncanny ability to threaten a defense vertically would add an entirely different dimension to the Cowboys already potent passing game. If he makes the team that is.
In no way is Devin Smith a roster lock right now. He’s going to have to battle it out with some younger and arguably just as talented WRs in order to stick around in 2020. Sadly, his age (28) and past injury history (two ACL tears to his right knee) could work against him. However, Mike McCarthy and his coaching staff could overlook those blemishes due to the value he could provide as a deep threat.
It may shock you to learn, but Smith averaged 22.6 yards per reception with the Dallas Cowboys last season in 2019. For his career, he’s averaged 18.5, which is better than both Amari Cooper (14.3) and Michael Gallup (16.1) career averages. That’s pretty impressive if you ask me, but it’s on a small sample size due to the fact he only has 15 receptions for 248 yards and two touchdowns in his career.
Now, as intriguing as Devin Smith’s deep threat ability is, his chances of making the roster depends on what the Cowboys are looking for in their WR depth. I could be wrong, but I think they’re looking for WRs who can do two of these three things: play special teams, provide a unique skill set, and play multiple WR positions. Does Smith fit the criteria?
You may disagree, but I think he does. I believe the Cowboys could play him on the outside or out of the slot. He also provides a unique skill set due to his speed and deep threat ability. Ideally they’d like him to contribute on special teams as well, but two out of the three isn’t bad.
All he has to do now is go out and prove himself to the Cowboys new coaching staff and set himself apart from other WRs currently on the roster. Sounds easy enough, right!? Probably easier said than done, but I know I for one am not going to bet against him. What about you?
