Defense. Defense. Defense. A lot of Cowboys Nation believes that’s the only direction the Dallas Cowboys should take with their first-round selection. It’s completely understandable to believe that way, but it is a little bit narrow-minded to be honest.
Yes, the Cowboys need to upgrade and add depth to several positions on the defensive side of the ball, but this team is an offensive minded squad. The offense will always come first, which is probably why the Cowboys coaching staff has been focusing heavily on scouting wide receivers and offensive lineman.
Despite already adding Cameron Fleming, Joe Looney, and Marcus Martin to provide depth to their OL, the Cowboys are still keeping a close eye on the top guard and tackle prospects. The same can be said about the wide receiver position, even after adding Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson.
It may come to a surprise to you, but I think it’s a real possibility the Dallas Cowboys draft either another first-round offensive lineman or their first first-round wide receiver since Dez Bryant. This may not sit well with a lot of Cowboys fans, but I’m actually on board with this way of thinking.
I fully understand why some fans wouldn’t agree. The Dallas Cowboys have most of their money already tied up in their offensive line and wide receiver positions. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to keep investing in the same positions and ignoring others… Or does it?
I may be in the minority here, but I think the highest ranked player still available when the Dallas Cowboys are on the clock at 19 will be on the offensive side of the ball. I would completely fine if they take another first-round offensive lineman, but I’m not as sure about taking a receiver there.
Personally, I only see two wide receivers worthy of being taken by the Dallas Cowboys with the 19th overall selection, Calvin Ridley (Alabama) and D.J. Moore (Maryland).
Calvin Ridley is the top-ranked wide receiver in the 2018 draft class by a lot of draft analysts, and it’s not hard to see why. He is the most pro-ready WR to come out of college in the last few years. He is also an advanced route runner and is a natural catching the ball.
I however have my concerns about Ridley. I think he has already peaked and doesn’t have much more room for improvement. I think what you see is what you’re going to get, which isn’t a bad thing, but it is why I would personally choose D.J. Moore ahead of Ridley if I were the Dallas Cowboys.
I think D.J. Moore is just as talented as Calvin Ridley and has more upside. He already proved to be the more athletic of the two at the NFL combine when he bested the former Alabama Crimson Tide WR in nearly every event.
Moore is very similar to Ridley in my opinion. He may not be as advanced of a route runner, but he is still pretty good and has room for improvement. What sets Moore apart though, is his physicality. He is sensational after the catch because of that physicality, and that’s something the Cowboys value.
Although Calvin Ridley and D.J. Moore are the only two WRs I feel comfortable drafting at 19, the Dallas Cowboys may not feel the same. That may be why they were at Cortland Sutton’s (SMU) and Christian Kirk’s (Texas A&M) Pro Day’s this week. They are leaving no wide receiver stone unturned.
