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Dallas Cowboys Draft: 7 Wide Receivers for 7 Rounds

By Adithya Prabakaran

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Wide receiver Justin Jefferson of LSU runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Wide receiver Justin Jefferson of LSU runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, LSU (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Justin Jefferson, LSU

Round Grade: Mid 2nd

Value: Reach

Percent of Trials Available: 90%

Justin Jefferson had quite the junior season. The LSU receiver logged 111 receptions for 1540 receiving yards and an insane 18 touchdowns. Not only was Jefferson the product of a historic offense, but also a success story about how a low-rated recruit can turn into a star receiver with the right coaching and talent management.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and 202 pounds, Jefferson has the frame to lineup anywhere on the line, however, he played primarily in the slot. With Ja’Marr Chase and Terrace Marshall Jr available at wideout, can you blame the team for lining up Jefferson in the slot?

Jefferson projects as an elite slot receiver at the next level so it answers why he was the chosen one of the talented trio. Compared to his two counterparts, the Louisiana native doesn’t have that type of strength and explosive and it limits his ability to line up everywhere.

Jefferson is a good route runner showing precise breaks and very loose hips. Playing in the slot, Jefferson rarely faces press coverage so he can struggle to separate on shorter routes where the defender plays off five yards.

In the intermediate levels of the field, he has good body control and knows where to break his routes. The anticipation of Joe Burrow combined with Justin Jefferson’s recognition of soft spots in zone coverage was a recipe of success that led to a lot of touchdowns. (Jefferson was responsible for 30 percent of Burrow’s passing touchdowns)

Even though Jefferson is a smooth route runner, he doesn’t have the same success in man coverage. With 33 inch arms, the junior doesn’t use his length to maintain separation allowing his defender to force bad throws. He has the explosiveness, body control, and high pointing ability to catch jump balls but he isn’t as good running under balls with a defender at his hip. (The issue is twofold with bad throws and a lack of separation)

Jefferson would be an interesting addition for the Cowboys offense as he would thrive as a slot receiver lined up between Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. With Dak Prescott at quarterback, Ezekiel Elliott at running back, and Kellen Moore as playcaller, this offense could produce at a historic level.

But is this worth the 17th pick? Not just for the Cowboys, but for every team? Probably not. For this selection to make sense, the Cowboys should trade back later into the first round.

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