Dallas Cowboys Draft: Position by position breakdown (offense)
By John Herndon
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Without any doubts, Jaxon Smith-Njigba from Ohio State is the most complete WR of this class.
His skills are comparable to CeeDee Lamb’s. Don’t reject him outright. Give thanks to the football gods and select him.
Smith-Njigba can run routes with great accuracy and has a natural ease in catching the ball. Receiver with a high level of skill for tracking down the football from the quarterback.
He can make each route appear to be similar. Excellent in YAC production. Has demonstrated his capability to cause havoc in the middle of the field.
"“I think his desire to win on every rep is something that carries him a long way.” – Ohio State’s Offensive coordinator Brian Jack Hartline on Jaxon Smith-Njigba"
Ideal fit for the west coast scheme and day one starter.
Quentin Johnston
On the other end of the spectrum is Quentin Johnston.
Despite Quentin Johnston’s injuries in 2022 that caused him to miss some games, he still achieved impressive stats when he was able to play, catching 60 passes for 1,069 yards and six touchdowns.
His size is in line with the type of player McCarthy had when he won a Super Bowl with the Packers.
He is a remarkable combination of size, speed, and strength with the potential to make game-changing plays. His route-running and ball skills need improvement. He is far from polished.
He has one of the lowest contested conversion rates on contested balls. He has a bad habit of not attacking the ball at its highest point.
Can his weaknesses be eliminated at the next level? Are they likely to? It’s going to take Johnston a bit of time to become a complete WR.
His shortcomings make him unsuitable for a first-round pick, but he could be a good investment in the third round. Because of his high end traits I believe he will be drafted late 1st round or early 2nd round.
Jonathan Mingo
Jonathan Mingo has a distinct set of skills to bring to the WR room. Compared to Quentin Johnston, Mingo plays big. Listed at 6’2″-225 lbs with 4.46 speed.
Mingo has played in more than 40 games during his time at Ole Miss. Throughout Mingo’s career, he has continued to develop and carve out a bigger role for himself.
He posted his best season in 2022 with a regular season stat line of 48 receptions, 800 yards, and five touchdowns.
Mingo is a physical wide receiver with sizable hands, thus making him an effective weapon. Using his size, he is able to prevent defenders from getting to the catch point on slants or while going after the football.
Difficult one-handed catches with a defender near him have become commonplace for him. He is hard to bring down in the open field. A long strider who builds up speed.
He is an exceptional route runner and has been applauded for his commitment to work.
"“Humble, egoless player who never complains about catches or playing time.” – Head coach Lane Kiffin on Jonathan Mingo"
His size may make you assume he’s just a possession receiver, but he has a lot more to offer.
In the 2022 season, he had his most successful campaign with 48 receptions, 800 yards, and five touchdowns.
Mingo’s ability to run after catching the ball and his big body makes him an intriguing wide receiver prospect. Mike McCarthy’s west coast offense could give Mingo the platform to reach his full potential in the NFL.
If none of the desired prospects are obtainable and trading back isn’t an option, Mingo could be looked at as a potential selection on Day 2.
Since parting ways with Dez Bryant, the Dallas Cowboys have been without a bully wide receiver.