Arguably the most intriguing on-field storyline for the Dallas Cowboys at training camp is the competition they have going on at wide receiver.
Of course, the three guys at the top are set in stone. Amari Cooper is one of the best in the league at his position, Michael Gallup has come on strong as the potential number two receiver, and veteran free agent signing Randall Cobb brings versatility to both the run and passing game.
The rest of the depth chart at wide out is up in the air, however. Allen Hurns and Lance Lenoir have already been cut, but there are still multiple talented receivers fighting for limited roster space.
Tavon Austin and Noah Brown have been around the team now for multiple seasons, but it’s an undrafted free agent receiver who I’m most excited to watch this weekend.
So far in camp, Jon’Vea Johnson looks to be a great find for the Cowboys front office. The 5’10” 191 pound receiver has made “twitter video” worthy plays day in and day out at practice, with some on scene claiming he’s looked like the third or fourth best receiver on the team.
The former Toldeo receiver has had his ups and downs like any player will at training camp, but there’s certainly been more good than bad thus far. Johnson had two drops in the team’s Blue-White scrimmage, but will have his chance at live game action for the first time on Saturday night.
It’s an uphill battle for any undrafted player to make a team’s final roster, but Johnson has checked all the boxes thus far to do so. The rookie receiver is fast, and can immediately be a speedy deep threat for a Cowboys offense which has lacked such players during Dak Prescott’s tenure at quarterback.
Here’s a long TD from Jon’Vea Johnson on Michael Jackson.
Johnson & Guyton both had long catches today #cowboyswire pic.twitter.com/KONaconWm6
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) August 1, 2019
The back-end of the Cowboys receiver depth chart is jumbled, and most believe that Tavon Austin has a leg up on the competition due to his ability to return punts. Interestingly enough, though, the Cowboys have been working multiple people at this spot during camp. Including Johnson.
This indicates to me that Dallas is trying to find ways to keep Johnson on the 53 man roster, rather than having to risk sending him to the practice squad at the end of training camp.
Either way, if he keeps up his performance over the next couple weeks, Johnson’s going to have a star on his helmet come September.
When the Cowboys open the 2019 preseason against the 49ers this weekend, the collective eyes of Cowboys Nation will be locked on Jon’Vea Johnson. And for good reason.
