Wide Receiver Options for the Cowboys Heading into Next Season
The Cowboys’ disappointing season has come to an end, where they will finish 7-10. One of the most notable problems was the lack of help on offense for quarterback Dak Prescott. A position that needed reinforcements badly was the wide receiver position. Despite having star receiver Ceedee Lamb, who had 1194 yards and six touchdowns in a season that was cut short. The rest of the group was not up to par. Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert, and Kavonte Turpin combined for 1289 yards and 12 touchdowns, not the ideal core to team up with a star player like Lamb. Currently, the Cowboys are slotted at the 12th overall pick in the upcoming draft and have the ability to either draft a receiver or sign one during free agency. The question is, what receivers are the right fit?
Luther Burden III
One of the ideal options for Dallas heading into the draft is receiver Luther Burden III from Missouri. Burden ended his career at Missouri with 192 receptions, 2,263 yards, and 21 touchdowns, along with four touchdowns and 234 yards on the ground. Primarily a slot receiver, Burden has the skill set to play on the outside to let Ceedee operate inside. Great run-after-the-catch ability allows for Dallas to be able to open up the playbook and just put the ball in his hands, similar to Lamb. Burden is also a sure-handed receiver, only having seven drops in the past two seasons, which is impressive for a college receiver. Burden has all the tools to be a great option for Prescott and to help ease the pressure off of Lamb.
Emeka Egbuka
Emeka Egbuka is arguably the most NFL-ready receiver in this year's draft. He ended his time at Ohio State having totaled 2753 yards, 194 receptions, and 24 touchdowns. Egbuka provides reliable route running and separation that is much needed in a Dallas receiving room that was last in separation. Similarly to Burden, Egbuka operates primarily in the slot and has elite run-after-the-catch ability. He is not the greatest athlete, but his IQ and leverage on corners make up for any disadvantages. Egbuka is surely another weapon that Dallas can draft to be that secondary receiver.
Tee Higgins
Tee Higgins is the most unlikely option for the Cowboys to get out of the bunch; however, his skills on the field are self-explanatory. Higgins is one of the best receiver twos in the NFL, and he is heading into free agency in the offseason. He ended his 2024 campaign with 73 receptions, 911 yards, and 10 touchdowns, which is a career high for him. Higgins broke 1000 yards twice while being the number two option behind Ja’Marr Chase. He is a real red zone threat, which Dallas has not had since Dez Bryant. Higgins also has the ability to be a deep ball threat, which has been on display ever since his 75-yard touchdown in Super Bowl 56. Overall he would easily fit into this Dallas offense that was lackluster and would create an instant one-two punch with Lamb. Higgins to the Cowboys is a bit ambitious, but if Dallas can bring him in, Prescott would have his best receiver group since he was throwing to Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup.
