Dallas Cowboys: Who is the best wide receiver to take in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft?

The Dallas Cowboys will be looking for their next superstar wide receiver during the 2018 NFL draft. Here are the most likely candidates to wear the star.

It is presumed that the Dallas Cowboys will be looking to select a wide receiver in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft. The release of veteran wide receiver Dez Bryant plus the need to make the Cowboys offense more “Dak friendly” almost assures that the next first-round pick in Dallas will be a receiver.

So now that we can focus on the candidates, let’s take a look at which 2018 NFL draft prospect would make the most sense as a first-round selection.

Calvin Ridley (Alabama): Ridley is the most hyped wide receiver heading into the draft. At 6’1, 190 pounds, he is not the biggest receiver, however, he is quite possibly the most natural playmaker in this class.

Things would be more clear for Ridley if he hailed from a college offense that was more pass-oriented, Alabama utilized the run so much it makes it difficult to see what his ceiling is.

He also is a bit older than the other prospects the Cowboys are looking at as he is already 23. Ridley also had a bit of an issue with drops during his college career so an uptick in targets may not result in production. There is no question he is one of the top wide receiver prospects if he is not the first to go he will be in the top three.

He should translate to more of a possession receiver with playmaking ability. He has shown flashes of being a deep threat however it remains to be seen especially on the NFL level. He had around a 65% catch percentage and around 800 yards a season in college.

A red flag of sorts is his lack of touchdowns as he did not crack double digits during his time in Alabama. Once again this could be attributed to the use of a heavy running attack so it is still a bit of a question mark whether or not he is a true red zone threat.

His speed and vision for making big plays sets him apart as one of the special players in this crop of wide receivers. His lack of vertical explosiveness at the NFL Combine was puzzling considering how he looks on tape. Ridley makes plays with ease but his poor combine showing has hindered his draft stock.

Chance of being selected by the Dallas Cowboys: 66 percent