Dallas Cowboys: Possible sleeper pick for Cowboys in the 2018 NFL Draft

Over the last several seasons, the Dallas Cowboys have a knack for finding that sleeper draft pick. Expect that trend to continue during the 2018 NFL draft.

Over the past few seasons, the Dallas Cowboys have drafted great players including Demarcus Lawrence, Maliek Collins, Anthony Hitchens, Byron Jones, Anthony Brown, Jourdan Lewis, Chidobe Awuzie, Xavier Woods, Jaylon Smith.

Except for Hitchens (who is now a member of the Kansas City Chiefs) the Cowboys are expecting big things from all of those players. Some of them have proven their worth, like Lawrence, who signed his one-year franchise tag and is due for a long-term extension. Xavier Woods looks like a fantastic addition to this secondary along with Lewis, and Chido. The team has also drafted some other players who have struggled to stay on the field like Randy Gregory and Charles Tapper.

The Dallas Cowboys have high expectations for most of those players, and sooner rather than later, those expectations will become a reality. This season is an important test for young players who need to develop quickly, players like Byron Jones, Anthony Brown, and Tapper.

Jones is moving to corner and will be entering his fourth year with the team. While versatile, Jones has not had a clear position in recent years splitting time at safety and cornerback. The Dallas Cowboys want to know what position will finally stick with the talented defensive back.

Tapper needs to prove that he can stay healthy and finally make an impact for this defense. Randy Gregory just needs to prove he can stay on the field and put his personal demons behind him. Jaylon Smith needs to continue to heal and improve as a defender.

A lot of the players mentioned flew under the radar, except for a few first round selections. The Dallas Cowboys have identified and drafted players who are not well known and overlooked but are major contributors to this team’s success. The front office is putting together a very competitive roster with a lot of players who have been undervalued throughout their careers or in the draft process.

So let’s take a look at a sleeper draft prospect the Dallas Cowboys should select in the upcoming draft.

Anthony Miller, Wide receiver, Memphis

Anthony Miller is 5’11, weighs 211 lbs, and was a consensus All-American at Memphis. Miller is a special player that can flat out play. Period.

He caught 95 passes and 96 passes over the last two years and set a school record with consecutive 1,400-yard receiving seasons.

Miller is a unique and productive player as he scored 37 touchdowns and can easily make big plays in the screen game. Miller gained well over 200 yards on screen passes alone. Simply put, Miller is a threat to score a touchdown anytime he touches the ball.

Miller has the ability to make big plays at any given moment. In some ways, he reminds me of Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown because of his crisp route running and gifted hands to catch the ball and make difficult catches.

More from Dallas Cowboys

Miller is expected to be a Day 2 pick. Some reports are predicting he’ll go in the early second or third rounds. If he’s available on Day 2 in the second or third round, the Dallas Cowboys should select him because they need a player of his caliber. Plus, if the Cowboys release Dez Bryant, they will need a lot of help at the wide receiver position.

Miller has several things you want in a receiver. For instance, he has big-play ability and is very quick off of the snap which has led to him beating a lot of defenders down the field. He has good balance while running his routes and knows how to break free from press coverage. He can play in the slot and can make the tough, physical catches Bryant is known for. Most importantly, he creates separation and helps his quarterback out by coming back for the ball. Simply put he is a very fast, smart, and productive football player.

If the Cowboys select Miller, he will be a day one starter and another much needed offensive weapon for Dak Prescott. One more important thing is about Miller is that he has first-round talent, and is projected to go much later than his talent suggests.

Next: Why the Cowboys are adding so many receivers

So if the Dallas selects Miller in the later rounds, just know that this team got a steal of a talent. Miller is a special player that will keep opposing defensive coordinators up at night.

Home/Dallas Cowboys