Wide receivers the Cowboys could target on day two of the NFL Draft

With Amari Cooper likely to be retained in some fashion, and it growing more and more likely that Randall Cobb will be wearing the star with Mike McCarthy running the show now, it’s unlikely the Cowboys will look to add a receiver with the 17th overall pick.

With Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, and Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb the three receivers likely to go off the board first in the 2020 NFL Draft, that leaves names such as Tee Higgins, Laviska Shenault Jr., K.J. Hamler, Brandon Aiyuk, Justin Jefferson, and Jalen Reagor that could be available into the second round. With the Cowboys picking at 51, it likely eliminates some of those names, but should not eliminate all of them.

Best Case Scenario at 51

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Three names standout as players who would carry an excellent value tag, if they do happen to fall to 51. Brandon Aiyuk, Jalen Reagor, and K.J. Hamler.

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State, 6’1” 201 lbs

Brandon Aiyuk, is a 6’1” 201 lb wideout out of Arizona State with extraordinary playmaking abilities. Aiyuk is known for his ability to create after the catch and using his speed to stretch the field vertically. He has a tremendous catch radius and has elite tracking abilities down the field. He is not just a speed threat, though, as he consistently makes plays after the catch using his athleticism and physical traits in the open field. Aiyuk could fit in as a versatile receiver that could play both in the slot and outside in Mike McCarthy’s offense.

Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU, 5’11” 195 lbs

Jalen Reagor is the next name on our “best case scenario” list. Reagor offers dynamic speed and should be in the running for the fastest forty time at the NFL Combine. He strives to use his speed to win vertically, but has developed into a guy that can highpoint the football at TCU in contested situations. Reagor has had some drop issues over his career, which is one of the reasons he even has a chance to make it to the 51st overall pick. His speed and ability to take the top off of defenses would give the Cowboys offense a weapon it currently doesn’t have on the roster.

K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State, 5’9” 176 lbs

If there’s one player in this draft class who has the potential to turn into Tyreek Hill, it’s K.J. Hamler. When watching Hamler’s tape at Penn State, it’s rare to find a passing play where he doesn’t get open at some point in his route. His quickness at the line of scrimmage allows him to beat corners in press, but his game changing speed forces most defensive backs to play off, which allows him to win underneath with his nuance route running. Hamler is also dynamic after the catch due to his speed, elusiveness, and field vision. He may not possess the long speed that Reagor has, but he’s going to test extremely well at the combine. Hamler is also a guy that can play both outside and in the slot at the next level.

Best Case Scenario at 82

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The Cowboys third round selection would make the most sense if the Cowboys were going to take a wide receiver in this years draft class. And with the depth of this wide receiver class, there’s a very good possibility that some really talented wide receivers will be available when the Dallas Cowboys are on the clock.

Van Jefferson, WR, Florida, 6’2” 197 lbsb

After blowing up the Reese’s Senior Bowl, the Van Jefferson hype train has officially left the station. The son of a former NFL wide receiver, and now wide receiver coach for the New York Jets, Jefferson plays the position with great technique, effort, and is one of the drafts best route runners. Jefferson has intriguing size to pair with his excellent route running abilities. He isn’t a sexy player, but he’s a route-running technician that will have a long, successful career at the next level.

K.J. Hill, WR, Ohio State, 6’0” 192 lbs

Similar to Van Jefferson, K.J. Hill’s stock started to skyrocket after a dominant week at the Senior Bowl. Hill showed off his brilliance as a route runner to feast on defensive backs all week long. Hill, like Jefferson, doesn’t have the elite athleticism to catapult him into the top 50, which should give him a real chance to fall to 82, unless the combine tells us something the tape doesn’t. Hill will more than likely thrive in the slot at the next level, using his releases at the line of scrimmage, quick feet at the top of his routes, and elusiveness in the open field with the football in his hands. Hill also has some of the best hands in this draft class.

Denzel Mims, WR, Baylor, 6’3” 206 lbs

Last but not least, we have yet another Senior Bowl standout. Denzel Mims was picking up steam before the Senior Bowl, but solidified his hype with a WR1 performance out of all the receivers in Mobile. Mims has the ideal size, athleticism, and ball skills to excel as a WR1 in the NFL, but needs to develop into a more consistent route runner, and his ball tracking can be inconsistent. He has great speed and showcases extraordinary body control for a receiver rough around the edges. If Mims can put it all together, he will be one of the drafts biggest steals.