As the Dallas Cowboys gear up for the 2025 offseason, one of the key areas of focus should be bolstering their wide receiver corps.
Stephen Jones, the team’s Chief Operating Officer, recently commented on the team’s strategy and plans for the upcoming season, specifically addressing the need for a reliable No. 2 wide receiver to complement their star, CeeDee Lamb.
We are still open to looking for an explosive WR2 that could upgrade us.
This revelation has sparked excitement and curiosity among Cowboys fans, as the team looks to address a potential weakness in an otherwise strong roster.
The word “explosive” sticks out to me most. Dallas needs more juice on the offensive side of the ball, and the 12th overall pick is the perfect spot to take a chance.
CeeDee’s Room
For years, WR CeeDee Lamb has been the clear-cut No. 1 target in the Cowboys’ offense, proving his worth as one of the league’s premier wide receivers.
Lamb’s ability to make plays down the field, while also serving as a reliable safety valve for Dak Prescott, has been integral to the Cowboys’ offensive success.
However, as Lamb’s production continues to grow, there has been increasing pressure on the team to find a capable second option to take some of the offensive burden off him.
Stephen Jones’ comments have confirmed that this will be a priority for the Cowboys in the offseason.
While Lamb will undoubtedly continue to be the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ passing game, Jones indicated that the team is actively looking to add a WR2 capable of contributing significantly.
This move would help balance the offense and give quarterback Dak Prescott more flexibility, ultimately making the offense more dynamic and harder to defend.
A Room In Need
Dallas’ wide receiver group has been a subject of scrutiny for much of the past couple of seasons.
While Lamb’s performance has been stellar, the team has struggled to find a consistent second option to complement him. Players like Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert have all seen time at the No. 2 receiver spot, but none have emerged as a reliable, consistent presence.
Cooks is gone now, reunited with former OC Kellen Moore with the team that drafted him: New Orleans.
Jalen Tolbert, drafted in 2022, has yet to make a significant impact. These inconsistencies have left the Cowboys’ passing game somewhat one-dimensional at times, with defenses able to focus primarily on Lamb.
A true WR2 would provide a much-needed complement to Lamb’s skill set.
If the season started tomorrow, the starting wide receivers in 11 personnel (3WR/1TE) would be CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert, and KaVontae Turpin. Not exactly a murderer’s row.
Ideally, the Cowboys need a wideout who can stretch the field vertically, create separation in short and intermediate routes, and provide QB Dak Prescott with an additional option when Lamb is covered or double-teamed.
Options at 12
Stephen Jones’ statement that the team will be targeting a WR2 suggests that the Cowboys could be active in both free agency and the NFL Draft.
We all know how free agency tends to go, and the big wave has come and gone.
This tells me that the Cowboys will need to rely on the draft and likely the 12th overall pick to give Prescott another weapon on the outside.
There are three intriguing possibilities linked to the Cowboys in the draft as they look to add depth and talent to their receiving corps.
Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka was been a standout performer at Ohio State, known for his ability to make explosive plays.
As a versatile receiver, Egbuka has the size, speed, and route-running precision that would allow him to complement CeeDee Lamb perfectly.
His ability to stretch the field vertically while also running sharp, precise routes in the intermediate and short ranges would make him an excellent fit in Dallas’ offense.
Egbuka also boasts strong hands and the ability to make contested catches, which would make him a dangerous weapon in critical situations.
Tetairoa McMillan
Tetairoa McMillan was a rising star in college at the University of Arizona, and his combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ make him a potential first-round selection.
Standing at 6-foot-3, McMillan has the physical traits to become an immediate red-zone threat, which is something the Cowboys’ offense has lacked in recent years.
His ability to create separation with his size and athleticism makes him an ideal candidate to pair with Lamb, providing Dak Prescott with a larger target in the passing game.
McMillan’s potential as a vertical threat and his reliable hands would add an exciting dimension to the Cowboys’ aerial attack.
Luther Burden III
Luther Burden III is another intriguing prospect that could be available when the Cowboys are on the clock with the 12th overall pick.
Known for his explosive speed and big-play ability, Burden is a dynamic athlete who can take the top off a defense with ease.
His ability to make defenders miss in open space would make him a dangerous weapon in the Cowboys’ offense, particularly as a deep threat alongside Lamb.
Burden’s quickness and agility would add a different dimension to the Cowboys’ passing attack, allowing for more versatility in how they utilize their wide receivers.
It’s Gotta Be at 12
With Stephen Jones’ comments underscoring the Cowboys’ intentions to target a WR2 this offseason, it’s clear that the team is committed to making a significant upgrade to their offense.
Selecting a wide receiver in the first round with the 12th overall pick would give Dallas the opportunity to land a top-tier talent capable of contributing immediately.
For the Cowboys to truly compete for a Super Bowl, adding a dynamic WR2 in the first round could be the missing piece to creating a more balanced and dangerous attack.