Dallas Cowboys: Some good news for WR Cedrick Wilson

The Dallas Cowboys have more viable receivers than they have roster spots, that’s why an early trip to the IR may actually be good news for Cedrick Wilson

The Dallas Cowboys had an impending crisis on their hands. With Allen Hurns, Cole Beasley, Michael Gallup, Tavon Austin, and Terrance Williams all virtually guaranteed roster spots, there wasn’t much room for anyone else.

Traditionally, the Dallas Cowboys only keep five or six receivers. But since the offense is trending towards more of a spread look with some 10 personnel packages, keeping seven is a distinct possibility. But even if they did keep seven (a number that would have to include Tavon in its count), rookie sixth round pick, Wilson, would likely be stuck on the outside looking in. That’s because Deonte Thompson is a polished and ascending veteran with considerable deep speed on the outside. And Noah Brown is a promising second year player who has starting X receiver potential and next-level blocking ability.

A few weeks ago I highlighted the “crisis” by preparing everyone to be disappointed with the final cuts. A good receiver (or two) was going to miss the cut and he’d probably go on to have a nice career elsewhere. But with Cedrick Wilson going on IR, he ensures his place on the team and will live to fight another day in Dallas. It’ll just need to wait until next season.

Cedrick Wilson is worth waiting for

Wilson, 6’2” 197lbs, was drafted out of Boise State with the 34^th pick in the sixth round. A complete package, Wilson is a well-rounded pass-catcher who can do it all – including provide the big play. His 694 yards on deep balls 20 yards or more were second most among FBS receivers according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Wilson came to Dallas as a polished route runner capable of executing multiple routes in a route tree and doing so properly. Wilson, or “Ced”, was a quick learner in minicamp.

He made an impression on his coaches as someone who knew what was going on and was ready and able to contribute when others were still trying to figure things out.

"“Ced has picked up the offense probably better than most of the guys in the room,” receivers coach Sanjay Lal said. “And now it’s become like, ‘Ok, we need a guy to run in there – Ced, go in there’. And he knows what to do. Today he scored a touchdown.”"

When targeted, Cedrick Wilson delivered a 118.0 passer rating to this quarterback last season. He looked like a player who make a real impact in the NFL and multiple scouts dubbed him a starting NFL talent.

As a slender guy without top-level speed (4.55 40-time), Wilson could really use a year in the weight room. Refining technique and building some strength will be necessary in the NFL given his slightly below average athleticism (pSPARQ score of 115.3 which is the 48.6 percentile in the NFL).

Making the leap in Year 1 remained an obstacle and the Dallas Cowboys didn’t appear to have much developmental space available on their receiver depth chart.

Outside looking in

In camp, Deonte Thompson has been doing well. And as the fastest receiver on the team (faster 40-time than Tavon Austin), he’s an invaluable piece to this offense.

Noah Brown may not be practicing but he has plus traits as a possession receiver, he has the strength to play at the X or on the move as a run-blocker, and has a year of experience under his belt. The Dallas Cowboys want to win now and that means they really don’t have the luxery to develop Wilson if it means leaving one of these two off.

Since Ced wasn’t initially on the 53-man roster he can’t return midseason. IR will prevent Wilson from practicing as well, so it will be up to him to take the necessary steps in his development. Given he’s the son of an NFL player and he’s widely regarded as a hard worker with a strong internal drive, Cedric Wilson appears to be someone who develop on his own.

It sounds counter-intuitive but Cedrick Wilson’s injury may be a blessing in disguise. It secures his spot on the team and gives him a chance to “red-shirt” for a better opportunity next season when roster spots will inevitably open up on the Dallas Cowboys.

• Published on 08/01/2018 at 12:01 PM
• Last updated at 08/01/2018 at 07:25 AM