Simi Fehoko was a bit of a surprise when he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fifth round. At 6'4 and 222 pounds with 4.39 speed, he brings a different dynamic to the Cowboys wide receiver group.
During his collegiate days at Stanford, Fehoko achieved some pretty impressive things. His 23.6 yards per catch average in 2019 set a school record. In his final college game, his 16 receptions also set a school record. He had a catch of at least 40 yards in eight of his final 15 games and received first-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2020.
Now that he's on the professional level, the former Cardinal is looking to become a more well-rounded receiver and not just a speedster.
“For me, especially in the Stanford offense, I was mainly that take-the-top-off, deep threat type of guy,” Fehoko said. “And so for me, just working on getting in and out of my breaks, becoming a more versatile receiver.”
Fehoko is joining arguably the best trio of receivers in the NFL in Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. When being added to a group this talented, it would behoove any rookie to absorb the knowledge that is bestowed on him as he competes for his spot on the roster, and Fehoko is looking forward to doing just that.
“All these guys are legitimate players in the NFL, sometimes arguably top five in the league,” Fehoko said. “Being able to work with them and around them is not only going to help me with my game, but I'm excited. I'm just excited to compete against them. We're going to grow as a team and be a pretty solid wide receiver unit.”
Players drafted in the fifth round or lower genuinely have an uphill battle to make NFL rosters. For Fehoko, he has some solid competition in front of him as he tries to carve out his role on the Cowboys this season.
Noah Brown, who recently re-signed with the team in March, is a pretty good reserve receiver and special teams contributor. Also, Cedrick Wilson was brought back on a one-year deal in April and showed his potential in Week 3 last season against the Seattle Seahawks when he went for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
Fehoko relishes the chance to work and improve his game.
“For me, I look at it as an opportunity to get better,” Fehoko said. “Working with the best, you surround yourself with the best, so you tend to become the best. I'm just excited to work with them and have the opportunity for that.”
The man who will be responsible for throwing Fehoko the football, Dak Prescott, sent him a message immediately after he was drafted. He made it clear what the standard is as the Cowboys look to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
“I've seen him around,” Fehoko said during rookie minicamp. “Obviously, he texted me a couple minutes after I got drafted, telling me to get ready to work and we're about to go light up the league and all of that. And then I've seen him in the locker room here and there. He's a cool guy.
“Down to earth. Super humble. Obviously, he's a ballplayer, too.”
Fehoko brings a rare combination of height, weight, and speed to the Cowboys receiver room. However, nothing is given in the NFL, it has to be earned, and the rookie will have another chance to do so when OTAs start next week.
