Like the year before with Cole Beasley, losing Randall Cobb in free agency is a pretty big blow to the Dallas Cowboys passing game. Both players were Quarterback Dak Prescott’s security blankets when he wanted to get the ball out quickly, but who’s going to step into that role in 2020?
Today, I wanted to take a look at a few “in-house” candidates who could take over for Randall Cobb in the slot this year. The Dallas Cowboys will likely add a few more receivers through the draft due to the depth at the position, however they do have a several intriguing options currently on the roster.
Let’s take a look…
Cedrick Wilson (6’2″, 200)
If not for ending up on Injured Reserve the past few seasons, Cedrick Wilson probably would’ve carved himself out a regular role in the Dallas Cowboys passing game. He’s a nuanced route runner with intriguing size and can be a threat on all three levels of the field. His underrated route running ability could allow him to be a big slot option for the Cowboys. He would provide a much different look out of the slot for Dak Prescott.
Jon’Vea Johnson (6’0, 192)
Jon’Vea Johnson was a training camp stand out last year and a favorite of former Cowboys WR Coach Sanjay Lal’s. He was in position to earn a roster spot on the final 53, but unfortunately sustained a shoulder injury against the Buccaneers that landed him on IR. He has experience out of the slot and the speed to provide a deep threat element to the passing game as well. If he can prove he can catch the ball more consistently, he could be a surprising candidate to take over for Randall Cobb.
Tony Pollard (6’0, 209)
There’s no denying Tony Pollard was underutilized by the Dallas Cowboys last season, especially in the passing game. To rectify that, Mike McCarthy and his new coaching staff could move Pollard into the slot to create favorable matchups in 2020. He was utilized as both a RB and WR at Memphis and the Cowboys would be wise to do the same. He would need to improve as a route runner of course, but he could be a dangerous game changer as Randall Cobb’s replacement.
Blake Jarwin (6’5″, 260)
We all know Blake Jarwin is probably best utilized as a move TE then as an in-line blocker. So, why not create more mismatches with him lining up in the slot in 2020? His size and athletic ability would put smaller DBs and less athletic LBs at a clear disadvantage. This new coaching staff has to play to his strengths more this year, which is in the passing game, not as a blocker. If utilized correctly, he could be the most dangerous weapon out of the slot on this list.
