The current group of Dallas Cowboys wide receivers is considered to be among the leagues worst on paper. Many fans and experts had very low expectations for them after a disappointing season in 2017. Low expectations have now turned to absolute panic after the Cowboys cut former #1 WR Dez Bryant in April. The Cowboys also lost out in free agency on the targeted replacement for Dez, Sammy Watkins. Then they passed on receivers such as Calvin Ridley, D.J Moore and Courtland Sutton in the 1st round of the draft. The Cowboys front office did end up making some significant changes at the position but without any legitimate star power many Cowboy fans are not optimistic about how this group will perform. I may be among the minority but I am actually excited about the wide receiver position in 2018.
One thing that was made abundantly clear last season was that the Dallas Cowboys wide receivers underperformed. Some place the blame on talent, others on route running and still others on the quarterback play. In truth, all three of those factors played a role. I still believe that Dez Bryant can be an elite receiver in this league but he has a specific skill set not suited to Dak Prescott’s game. Dez had success due to his chemistry with Tony Romo. It is no coincidence that Dez’s numbers declined drastically without Romo. Dak is an entirely different QB and the Dallas Cowboys front office has come to the realization that to optimize Dak’s skill set and style they need to bring in receivers that can help make the offense “Dak Friendly”. That quite simply means bring in guys that can separate and get open rather than guys who can make back shoulder circus catches off of perfectly thrown balls. That is precisely what the Cowboys have done this offseason in free agency, the draft and via trade.
The Cowboys were active in free agency in 2018 and Allen Hurns was the marque signing. Hurns is considered a poor man’s version of Dez Bryant. He has a similar skill set to Dez but he also adds the ability to play inside, outside and is a better route runner. Hurns also brings experience and some past production that is seriously lacking after the departure of Bryant. Dallas also signed Deonte Thompson from Buffalo. Thompson brings some much needed speed to a team that had serious trouble beating teams with the deep ball. Thompson also has the ability to run crisp routes and create separation.
Jerry Jones and co. may have passed on a wide receiver in round 1 of the draft but they got great value with their 3rd round pick Michael Gallup. Coaches and writers within the organization are excited about the WR out of Colorado State. He had outstanding production in college and has the size, traits and athleticism that project him to be an explosive player in the pros. He has already introduced himself to Cowboy Nation in style after scoring a 30 yard TD in his pre-season debut against the 49ers and the best is yet to come.
Michael Gallup’s first catch (preseason) as a member of the Cowboys.
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Dallas also drafted Cedric Wilson out of Boise State and he showed promise but unfortunately suffered a season ending injury in training camp.
Tavon Austin was a surprise addition via trade and after adding him to the roster the Cowboys quickly parted ways with Ryan Switzer. Austin was intended to replace Switzer and be the primary punt returner and gadget player in the hybrid WR/RB role. Thus far in training camp he has been used primarily as a receiver and has seen some looks on the outside as well as the slot. Tavon Austin has never lived up to his potential as a former 1st round pick but he still possesses that game breaking speed that all teams value. The Cowboys can certainly use a dynamic player with speed, and even in a limited role, Austin will bring value to the offense.
With all of the new faces being brought in at WR it is easy to forget that the Cowboys still have Cole Beasley and Terrance Williams on the roster. Beasley had a down season in 2017 but everyone in the Cowboys camp believes he is in line for a bounce back season. Last year the Cowboys were a little predictable in how they used him as a safety valve and simple slot receiver. Opposing defenses took notice and schemed to take him out of games. This year the Cowboys plan to modify how they use him and get a little more creative. Terrance Williams is not a fan favorite in Dallas. His costly mistakes, inconsistency and now his off the field issues far outweigh his limited production. The coaching staff have always liked his ability to block and his knack for making big time catches but those are few and far between. The only reason he is still on the team is because his contract is fully guaranteed. I expect T-Will to lose his staring job this year and likely be cut next season.
Finally there are some young wide outs on the team that have an opportunity to climb the depth chart this season. Namely Noah Brown and Lance Lenoir. Brown is big bodied and an exceptional blocker. His ability as a blocker may be his ticket to making the team. Lance Lenoir has come a long way and he has established a good report with Dak Prescott. He may not be the most physically gifted or the biggest receiver but he has put in extra time, works extremely hard and is constantly improving. You love to see high character guys like that make team as they bring out the best in their teammates.
The Dallas Cowboys wide receiver group is going to look vastly different this year. They have also brought in WR coach Sanjay Lal who has earned a reputation as a route running guru. Having a new coach, a new approach, and adding all the new faces means that there will be a wide open competition for WR roster spots this year. The Dallas Cowboys coaching staff believes in the saying “Iron sharpens Iron”. This stems from the belief that competition helps make the roster better. There will certainly be no shortage of competition at the wide receiver position in 2018. There may not be a clear cut #1 WR, or even a single guy that will put up 1000 yards but as a group they will be better. After all, can they really be much worse than they were last season?
*Photo by Kieth Allison https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode