The hype is around the Cowboys big three receivers, but don’t forget about Cedrick Wilson

The Dallas Cowboys arguably have the best wide receiver corps in the NFL. If it is not the best, it is certainly in that top-tier conversation. Two one-thousand yard wide receivers and what many considered to be the top wideout in this year’s draft class.

Cowboys fans are already dreaming about the trio of Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, and CeeDee Lamb. Dallas already had one of the league’s best offenses and passing attacks in 2019, so it is easy to imagine the talented Lamb adding an extra element to an already explosive attack.

There is one glaring hole in the wide receivers room: who is WR4? The top three are locked in stone and provide quarterback Dak Prescott with plenty of options for targets. Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, and Blake Jarwin should all be factors in the passing game as well. Still, there needs to be somebody that steps up as that fourth receiver for the Cowboys offense. It is always nice to have another option on the table for depth purposes, and it is not like we have not seen Amari Cooper struggle with nagging injuries.

The biggest candidate to carve out a role behind the big three is wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Jr. Dallas invested a draft pick in the Boise State product — albeit a late one (sixth-round) — but Wilson has spent much of his young NFL career on injured reserve.

Reports suggest that there are people within the organization high on what Wilson could bring to the roster, but we have yet to see what exactly the Boise State product can do in between the lines.

Now healthy and an opportunity there for the taking, the former high school quarterback and son of former NFL wide receiver Cedrick Wilson Sr. has the potential to not only make the 55-man roster, but to solidify himself as a legitimate option at the position behind Cooper, Gallup, and Lamb.

We were able to see flashes of what Wilson can do during the preseason as both a wide receiver and a return man, but that is not enough to truly judge what he can do. Still, it was nice to see the former Boise State star make reliable plays on the field.

Our own Terence Watson mentioned that Wilson’s route running is something that can catch Mike McCarthy’s eye whenever the team returns to football activities.

That route running is what could help him makes this roster under Mike McCarthy whose system calls for receivers who are able to create space. Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, CeeDee Lamb all have that ability, but McCarty is going to need a fourth and fifth receiver that can do the same. Devin Smith has speed to help him make the roster, but Wilson is going to have to lean on his routes to make an impression on McCarthy. If he is able to do that, then he stands a chance to make the roster and could get some serious on-the-field action this season.

Wilson is not the fastest or flashiest receiver, but he is very intelligent — likely thanks to growing up around the game as well as playing the quarterback position during his prep career — and finds ways to get open with his smooth route running ability.

Another aspect to like about what Wilson brings to the table is his ability to contribute on special teams — namely as a returner. The NFL legacy has a knack at making plays, and he has showcased that in his limited opportunities.

The likely departure of Tavon Austin means that the Cowboys need a new returner. Is that Wilson? Maybe not, but it cannot hurt that he has the ability to contribute in that regard.

The 6-foot-2, 200 pound, 24-year-old receiver has suffered with bad luck regarding injuries, but he is now expected to be fully healthy heading into the upcoming season. People are calling for the Cowboys to spend more time than ever in the 11 personnel, which means receivers will be seeing the field a ton.

Although the top three wideouts are set in stone, there is a lot of uncertainty behind them. The NFL season is a long, grueling grind. Cedrick Wilson has as good of opportunity as anybody to grab that fourth wide receiver spot by the horns and solidify himself on the Cowboys roster.