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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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Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Van Jefferson
Van Jefferson, Wide Receiver(Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Van Jefferson /

Van Jefferson, Florida

Round Grade: Late 3rd/Early 4th

Value: Good

Percent of Trials Available: 100%

In a draft class with receivers galore, the question isn’t will teams be interested in drafting a wide receiver early, it is which wide receivers will teams draft early. Van Jefferson has the perfect skill set for today’s NFL. His route running prowess was put on display in Mobile and it seemed like his draft stock was on the rise.

Then it just plateaued…

The Florida receiver is a redshirt senior who stands at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds. Jefferson has the same build and skill set of the previously mentioned Justin Jefferson. A fluid route runner, Jefferson is a bit stronger when reacting to press coverage allowing him to play on the outside as well as in the slot.

While Jefferson’s production has never stood out; in his final season he caught 49 passes for 647 yards and 7 touchdowns his final season. (Certainly pedestrian numbers) He also wasn’t able to test at the combine because of an injury. This didn’t answer any questions scouts had regarding his speed.

However, he could be a case where a receiver is more productive at the professional level than at the collegiate level. Dealing with inconsistent quarterback play and a receiver logjam for most of his college career, it was hard to make the most of his snaps when given the opportunity.

Even so, Jefferson has proven he is one of the best route runners in the draft with the ability to get open on any route in the short and intermediate areas. While strong, he doesn’t look overly explosive. While it might be difficult to complete a jumpball to him, he doesn’t often find himself in that situation as he separates with creative releases and instinctive cuts.

In an era where route runners are the hot commodity Jefferson could be an immediate contributor to any team that selects him. In the third round, Jefferson would make for an excellent value addition. With the ability to line up anywhere, he allows the Cowboys to exploit mismatches especially in the slot while not having to surrender size on the outside.

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