Dallas Cowboys: In WR rich draft, why bring back Randall Cobb?

The 2020 NFL Draft features one of the deepest WR classes in recent memory. So why are the Dallas Cowboys re-signing their No. 3 receiver, Randall Cobb?

If there was ever a good time to roll the dice and fill a top-3 receiver position through the draft, this is the time. That’s because the 2020 Draft is absolutely loaded with WR talent and viable options are expected to be available in virtually every round.

In fact, Sport DFW’s Dan Ruppert just talked about that in, 5 different WRs in 5 different rounds. But instead of attacking the strength of this draft, and saving some coin in the process, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be taking the cowards way out and ignoring the strengths of the draft.

Randall Cobb was a fine receiver for the Dallas Cowboys last season. His 55 receptions for 828 yards helped alleviate the loss of Cole Beasley,  Dallas’ long-time slot man. Given Cobbs’ skill set, he actually added to the slot position last season, averaging 15.1 yards per reception and 329 yards after the catch.

But for as good as Cobb was, he’s far from irreplaceable. The easiest receiver position to fill is the slot spot. It’s true, slot receivers need to be good route runners. But they are given extra advantages other receivers only dream of. None more helpful than the ability to break in any direction.

Lining up inside the numbers, slot receivers can break right, left, upfield or downfield. They’re  a nightmare to cover in man coverage and that’s why they usually enjoy a better catch percentage than their outside counterparts.

Because of these advantages, it’s not uncommon to see Day 3 draft picks and even undrafted free agents thrive in the slot. It’s less about physical pedigree and more about technique and nuance. Simply put: it’s the easiest receiver position to fill.

So why are the Dallas Cowboys spending money on a position they can fill for cheap?

I’m not quite sure, especially when you consider they’re letting an elite cornerback leave in free agency when cornerback is a position that’s extremely hard to hit on in the draft. Cornerback is exactly the position you use your free agent dollars on – not slot receiver.

Dallas could use a mid-round pick on a WR to replace Cobb instead of being obligated to use a first rounder to replace Byron. This way they keep the better player and have the better pick to play with.

According to Spotrac, Cobb’s expected to command $7.1 million per season on a multiyear deal. Are the Cowboys and Byron Jones less than $7.1M apart? Probably. Why not bring Byron back instead of Cobb. Dallas could use a mid-round pick on a WR to replace Cobb instead of being obligated to use a first rounder to replace Byron. This way they keep the better player and have the better pick to play with.

No one’s going to value offensive passing weapons more than me, but if we retain Amari Cooper and still have Michael Gallup, we can afford to roll the dice at slot – especially since the draft is littered with WRs.

Last season was Cobb’s best season since 2015. Can he do it again at age 30 or was last season his peak? Better yet, even if he can, can’t a committee approach consisting of Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown, Devin Smith, a rookie, or anyone else they add, do the same?

I realize this is going to come off like I don’t value Randall Cobb. I really do. I’m just not sure, given his track record, that he can stay healthy and produce the same again at age 30. I also want to find a way to save Byron Jones AND utilize the biggest strength of this draft: WR.

If the Dallas Cowboys want to save money, slot receiver is where they should be looking to do it by way the NFL Draft.

• Published on 03/07/2020 at 12:01 PM
• Last updated at 03/07/2020 at 14:35 PM