After losing Amari Cooper and Cedrick Wilson, wide receiver is a need for the Cowboys heading into the 2022 NFL Draft.
One wide receiver that could be available at No. 24 for the Cowboys is Arkansas product Treylon Burks. Burks spent three seasons as a Razorback, making three All-SEC teams. He caught 146 passes for 2,399 yards and 18 touchdowns, recording 1,104 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2021.
Burks has one of the highest ceilings of any receiver in this draft and is similar to Cooper in many ways. Both separate from defenders the same way and play the game smoothly. But Burks brings something that Cooper doesn’t, and that’s his ability to thrive at contested catches. With Michael Gallup potentially missing the start of the 2022 season, Dallas will need someone who can bring down 50/50 balls with consistency.
Another striking feature Burks has is his frame. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, his large frame is one of a kind in this draft. Burks uses his big frame to power through defenders, break tackles, and shield defenders away from the ball. His size also creates mismatches, catering to his contested catch ability. Burks’ frame also makes him an excellent blocker, an underrated trait for a receiver to have.
Despite his large frame, Burks has a quick burst. Last season, one of the fastest runs in college football came from Burks, clocking in at 22.6 MPH against Georgia Southern on Sep. 18. This ability makes him dangerous after the catch and allows him to stretch the field well. Burks’ burst also makes him a downfield threat as his long strides allow him to gain yardage faster.
Because Burks can be used in various ways, he can easily fit into Dallas’ offense. With Wilson gone, CeeDee Lamb will undoubtedly be played more on the outside, leaving a hole at slot receiver that Burks can fill. If Gallup misses games, Burks can easily slide in at outside receiver until he returns. Cooper’s departure also means the Cowboys will need a new possession receiver, which Burks is.
One of the biggest strengths of Dallas’ offense last season was depth. The Cowboys had several guys who could make a play, making it challenging for defenses to match up against them. Burks would reinforce that depth and give Dallas a much-needed weapon in a position of need.
Burks visited with the Cowboys on Monday, and Dallas should strongly consider taking him. He has massive potential, but he’s also ready to make an immediate impact. The Cowboys’ receiver room took a hit this offseason; Burks can help stitch it back together.
