Many forget, before he was inexplicably thrust into the WR2 role in 2023, Noah Brown was a career specialist who consistently hovered around WR4/WR5 on the depth chart. The Cowboys cast Brown as a blocking specialist years ago and he was used in that regard a variety of ways.
Sometimes inline like a TE, other times motioning across the formation, from the slot and even split out wide from time to time, Brown served an inglorious role. His ability to seal the edge on the frontside or backside, endeared him to coaches.
He lasted from Jason Garrett to Kellen Moore, rarely earning targets but always putting out the effort. After a breakout season as a pass-catcher in 2022, Noah cashed in on free agency and moved south from Dallas. Now for the first time in half-a-decade the Cowboys are on the search for a new blocking WR…
In a recent interview with Kevin Gray, Simi Fehoko confirmed it’s Noah Brown’s old role he’s vying for on the Cowboys.
Size and attitude make Fehoko the obvious choice. Brown was always a willing blocker and Fehoko appears to be cut from the same cloth. With so many talented pass-catchers on the Dallas WR corps, being the best blocker is probably the best niche for Fehoko to target.
Cowboys WR @Simi_Fehoko Simi Fehoko talked with me about what his role in the offense will be this year & the new energy around OC Brian Schottenheimer & the offensive staff, great stuff here! #DallasCowboys
— Kevin Gray Jr. (@KevinGraySports) May 19, 2023
Podcast: https://t.co/f1SYtOVkR3
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Brown was a standout blocker for years. He often played more running downs than passing downs and was willing to take on blockers twice his size. His ability to seal the edge was huge for the Cowboys running game and that’s where Fehoko will have to earn his stripes.
Unlike Brown, Simi has the speed to take the top off the defense. Defenses have to respect his speed and also contend with his blocking. It’s an ideal position to be in for the third year WR.
Having Brown take so many WR2 snaps was a failure of the Dallas front office and in no way the fault of Brown
Filling Brown’s shoes will be hard. Some disparage the former Ohio State WR for his missed opportunities in Dallas last season. Let’s be clear – he never should have been in that position. Having Brown take so many WR2 snaps was a failure of the Dallas front office and in no way the fault of Brown.
Taking into account his roles and expectations, Brown’s time in Dallas has to be seen as a rousing success. The Cowboys would be so lucky if Fehoko could follow in his footsteps.

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One thing is clear – the battle for the last WR job is going to be a fierce fight with special teams and dirty work playing a big part.