Dallas Cowboys: Scouting Newest WR, Lance Lenoir
By Reid Hanson
The Dallas Cowboys just added record breaking receiver, Lance Lenoir, to the team. What he brings and what can be expected may surprise you.
According to Todd Archer at ESPN, the Dallas Cowboys have signed undrafted free agent wide receiver, Lance Lenoir. Lenoir joins a talented and relatively stacked receiving unit comprised of Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams, Cole Beasley, Brice Butler, Ryan Switzer, and Noah Brown. With so many proven receivers already on the team, it would be easy to disregard the signing.
That would be a mistake.
Honestly, outside of Illinois, not many know of Lance Lenior. The 6’0” 199lbs receiver out of Western Illinois didn’t play much nationally televised football in the FCS. But it’s hard to ignore Lenoir’s production.
In his time with Western Illinois, Lenoir racked up 273 receptions, 3,769 yards, and 28 touchdowns. Despite being the focal point of opposing defenses, Lenoir carried a catch streak of 41 consecutive games. 41 games. Let that sink in.
Lenoir is a punt returner, kick returner, and receiver. He can play inside or outside and isn’t afraid to the dirty work according to his statements in the Western Courier:
"“I can do it all,” Lenoir said. “I will block, run good routes, play special teams, just be a utility player until I can work my way up to being a top wide receiver. Anything that any team needs me to do, I can do it.”"
Supplanting the Dallas Cowboys veterans and draft picks won’t be easy for an undrafted free agent, but Lenoir seems willing and able to commit to do the dirty work. For a player who compares himself to Dez Bryant, Lenoir will need Bryant-like tenacity in order to make a difference.
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How he fits the Dallas Cowboys
I’m not going to pretend I know much about Lance Lenoir and his abilities. I’ve seen no more than some rough game film, a highlight reel, and his combine numbers. He put up 14 reps, ran a 4.63 40, 2.66 20 and 1.59 10. The limited film I saw appeared to show he’s best as an outside receiver – a role he’ll need to specialize in if he were to make the Dallas Cowboys 53-man roster.
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Barring an injury, Ryan Switzer will be given every opportunity to be the primary punt returner. But without a clear favorite to handle kick return duties, Lenoir has a chance to carve out a roll there. He’s physical enough to be a viable threat on the slant, which is a very important route for the X and Z receivers in Jason Garrett’s offense.
His footwork in his workout videos is amazing and that appears to translate onto the field (which doesn’t happen for a lot of players). Most importantly, his hands appear extremely reliable. I searched for statistics involving passes dropped and wasn’t able to nail anything reliable down. But like I said, it appears his hands are his strength.
The chances of Lance Lenoir making the roster are very slim. He would have to displace either Brice Butler or Noah Brown (possibly both) and that’s going to be tough. But if he lights it up on special teams and picks up majority the notoriously-complicated route tree early, he may have a chance.
Next: Predicting the Cowboys 53-man roster (don't be surprised if...)
Lance Lenoir was seen by many as a priority free agent and it was said to be him that was patiently waiting for the best opportunity. And that just became the Dallas Cowboys.