Cowboys defensive backs will be challenged in 2024

When you step back and think about it, it’s really unfair how harshly NFL general managers are judged when it comes to team-building skills. There are so many variables that need to be taken into account.

Some teams constantly make sure their offense maintains top-tier talent, i.e. the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles. Other teams prioritize their defensive lines, i.e. the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders.

Some teams, like the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons, reload their skill positions, often at the expense of other areas.

It is a rare occasion that takes an incredible fortune to have blue-chip players in every position group.

The stars must align by retaining top talent while hitting on the draft and stealing productive players cheaply in free agency. The Dallas Cowboys appear to be stuck on this plan, hoping for the stars to align every season without having to spend any money.

Even when their drafted players develop, they still have trouble paying them.

That’s the predicament they find themselves in currently with the contract negotiations of WR CeeDee Lamb.

There are about 32 million reasons to tie him to the Cowboys for the foreseeable future, but they can’t land on a number to satisfy both sides.

Brandin Cooks wasn’t exactly the Robin to CeeDee’s Batman this past season and Jalen Tolbert needs development. It made me think of how talented some of the opposing wide receiver groups in 2024 are.

I have already ranked the quarterbacks and rushing attacks on the Cowboys’ schedule and now it is time to do the same for the wide receivers.

The top spot might shock you.

Rankings are from “worst to best” and all stats are credited to Pro Football Reference.

3. Philadelphia Eagles — A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, Parris Campbell

After not a single mention in my first two articles in this series, the Philadelphia Eagles finally debuted with their wide receiver group.

The skill players around QB Jalen Hurts have always been a boon to his production. With playmakers like A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith on the outside, Philadelphia hasn’t been able to feature a third wide receiver to match up with the talent of the Cowboys’ third cornerbacks.

Howie Roseman signed the speedy Parris Campbell to a one-year deal this offseason to try to take the top off of defenses. Roseman is a good general manager and I guarantee you he grew tired of the fact that their third weapon at wide receiver has not been up to par.

Enter Campbell and his speed and elusiveness.

We know what A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith can accomplish on the outside. They’ve proven time and again they are forces to be reckoned with. If Campbell can remain healthy, the Eagles’ top three receivers might finally match up well with the Cowboys’ top three cornerbacks.

2. Atlanta Falcons — Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore

The Atlanta Falcons revamped their offensive weapons in conjunction with the arrival of their best quarterback since Michael Vick. Sorry, Matt Ryan. Kirk Cousins is in Atlanta now and even though the Falcons used a top-10 pick on his replacement, he will undoubtedly be the starter this season.

At his disposal is possibly the best trio of wide receivers he has ever played with.

Drake London was drafted with the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and his 6’4″ 213-pound frame can be a nightmare in single coverage.

Darnell Mooney was signed as a free agent from the Chicago Bears and he has shown us his playmaking ability on the field. Mooney has had some problems with soft tissue injuries, but he’s a handful to cover when he’s healthy.

Rondale Moore was an addition to the offense that surprised many when he was signed. Moore is a speedy and shifty wide receiver who excels in space. Screens, reverses, and simply lining him up in the backfield for a regular handoff are the best ways to utilize his talents.

Analysts expected the Falcons to address other positions in free agency, but they instead chose to bolster the talent around Kirk Cousins.

The Falcons skill group will be fun to watch versus the Cowboys in their week 9 matchup.

1. Houston Texans — Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell

Does the #1 spot surprise you? I assume you were expecting the San Francisco 49ers or Cincinnati Bengals to take this top spot. You’d have good reason to believe that. They just didn’t make my list this time.

The Houston Texans skyrocketed to #1 on my list after they traded picks to the Buffalo Bills in exchange for Stefon Diggs. He was unhappy in Buffalo and looking for a fresh start. I could think of just one other team that would have been a better fit but at least he’s in the same state with his brother, Trevon Diggs.

I don’t have to explain to you how good of a wide receiver Diggs is, so I won’t waste my time.

Six straight seasons of over 1,000 yards receiving speak to that.

Nico Collins is an excellent X wide receiver to have opposite Diggs. They complement each other so well. Teams will struggle to contain the two of them together.

Collins experienced a breakout season in 2023 after the Texans drafted QB C.J. Stroud in the 2023 NFL Draft. Stroud stepped into the offense like a veteran, leading Houston to a surprise playoff appearance and Wild Card round victory.

He found Collins for 80 receptions, 1,297 yards, and eight touchdowns in the regular season. Add Diggs on the same field and Collins looks to ascend even higher.

Don’t forget about Tank Dell. Taken in the same draft as Stroud, Dell quickly became one of his favorite targets, collecting 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie year.

Diggs, Collins, and Dell are a dangerous trio that will challenge any secondary as long as Stroud has time to go through his progressions.

They will be the Cowboys’ biggest challenge at wide receiver in 2024.

Honorable Mention

Cincinnati Bengals — Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton

San Francisco 49ers — Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk, Ricky Pearsall

Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer