It's looking more and more as if the Dallas Cowboys draft a wide receiver early in the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft. They have already met with several of the top WRs in this draft class, whether formally or informally, which raises the question about exactly how early will they decide to draft a WR?
I have no doubts the Cowboys draft a wide receiver at some point, but there really is no way of knowing how early they will do so. They could decide to use their first-round draft pick on Day 1 to take a WR or they could wait until Day 2 or Day 3. It will ultimately come down to how the whole draft process plays out.
Opinions will certainly vary as to when the Cowboys should draft a receiver, but I think we can all agree there is a high possibility it will happen in the first three rounds. Luckily, the Cowboys actually sit in a pretty good position in each of the first three rounds to find an upgrade at the WR position, but again, when and where is still the ultimate unknown.
Since I believe the Dallas Cowboys draft a wide receiver in the first three rounds, I decided to share with you which WRs they seem to be targeting and where. I broke down the receivers mentioned below based on where I personally have them graded.
First Round
Calvin Ridley, Alabama
Calvin Ridley is the WR1 on nearly everybody's draft board, and for good reason. Ridley is the most Pro-ready WR in the 2018 draft class and should be able to make an immediate impact with whichever team who drafts him. The only real concerns about Ridley is his age, his slight frame, and the fact he might already be a finished product. But, he would immediately upgrade the receiving corps if the Cowboys draft him at 19.
D.J. Moore, Maryland
I personally have D.J. Moore ranked slightly behind Calvin Ridley and wouldn't be at all surprised if he was the Cowboys draft target at 19. I think he improved his draft stock the most with the way he performed at the combine and I believe he might have more upside than Ridley. He still needs to improve his route running, but he is dangerous anytime he gets the ball in his hands.
Courtland Sutton, SMU
Drafting Courtland Sutton 19th overall might be a little high for most people, but I personally like him more than most. The Cowboys should get to know Sutton pretty well when he is able to attend Dallas Day for local prospects. I think he is one of the few receivers in this draft class who has WR1 potential and could be Dez Bryant's eventual replacement. Taking him at 19 might be a little too high for the Cowboys, so he is probably more of a trade down target.
D.J. Chark, LSU
D.J. Chark has been one of my “pet cats” from the very beginning of the draft process. I really like the skill set he would bring to the offense and he fits the Cowboys draft criteria for a WR to a T. I initially had a third-round grade on him, but he continuously improves his draft stock when given the opportunity. He reminds me of Houston Texans WR Will Fuller, who was drafted in the first round a few seasons ago, which is where I have him ranked now.
Second Round
James Washington, Oklahoma State
In order for the Dallas Cowboys to draft James Washington, they would probably have to move up in the second round because I think he gets drafted in between 19 and 50. I'm personally not as high on Washington as most, but I wouldn't hesitate taking him with the Cowboys second round pick. He is a tough/gritty WR, who is built like a RB and has the speed to take the top off of defenses.
Christian Kirk, Texas A&M
The Dallas Cowboys have already met with Christian Kirk informally, which indicates there is some interest there. Kirk is a dynamic playmaker as both a WR and a return specialist. He still needs to improve as a route runner, but he is dangerous anytime he touches the ball. He may still be there at 50 when the Cowboys are on the clock, but they might have to trade up in order to secure his services.
Equanimeous St. Brown, Notre Dame
I'm probably higher on Equanimeous St. Brown than most people, which is why I was ecstatic to see the Cowboys have already shown an interest in him. It's rare that a 6'5″, 215 pound WR runs a 4.48 40 yard dash, but he did just that at the scouting combine. He is a solid route runner, although he could stand to improve in this area, and he has a wide catching radius. I think he'll be a better Pro than he was in college and he has WR1 potential.
Deon Cain, Clemson
Deon Cain is another WR the Dallas Cowboys have shown an interest in and someone who could help the offense from Day 1. Clemson has kind of become “WR U” these past several years, and Cain is the next one who should make his mark in the NFL. He is a good route runner who has the speed to take the top defenses, but unfortunately he shows lapses in his concentration from time to time.
Third Round
Anthony Miller, Memphis
Anthony Miller was pretty much a one-man show during his time in Memphis. Opposing defenses always knew where he was located when he was in the game, but still had trouble containing him. I love how he plays with a chip on his shoulder, but he is somewhat inconsistent when catching the ball, which is a pretty big concern. But, he would still be a welcomed addition to the Cowboys wide receiver core.
Michael Gallup, Colorado State
Michael Gallup possesses a good combination of height, weight, and speed to become a very solid WR2 in the NFL. He's what the Dallas Cowboys look for in their outside WRs and could be a steal if they can get him in the third round. He might struggle to create separation at the next level, but his game is based on physicality and could become a really good position WR in Dallas.
DaeSean Hamilton, Penn State
DaeSean Hamilton has been mocked to the Dallas Cowboys on more than one occasion already this draft season. He is arguably the best route runner in the entire 2018 draft class, but his lack of straight-line speed may hurt a little bit at the next level. I personally believe he would be better playing out of the slot in the NFL, which doesn't bode well for him getting drafted by the Cowboys. He will have to prove he can win consistently on the outside in order to end up in Dallas.
