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Despite returning to free-agency normalcy after their one-year do-absolutely-nothing edict, the Dallas Cowboys have still left a few giant holes in their roster. Most notable is the chasm behind wide receiver behind CeeDee Lamb. Brandin Cooks left in free agency, and the players remaining have had minimal success in the league.
Jalen Tolbert has 73 receptions, 890 yards, and nine touchdowns in 42 games over three seasons in Dallas. Last year, with a chance to step up as the second option, Tolbert had 49 receptions for 610 yards, and seven scores. That isn't enough for a contending team, especially with his lack of blocking ability. Behind Tolbert, the other five receivers have combined for 84 catches, 1,004 yards, and six touchdowns. Even if a few young players develop, the team needs a better second option at receiver.
Here are the top five prospects for that position in the 2025 NFL draft.
Height: 6-foot, Weight: 206, RAS: N/A
When mock drafts first began, Luther Burden III was considered an early first-round prospect. Perception now has him falling as far as the second round on some mock draft boards. Plenty have said this is due to his strengths after the catch, and a possible diva attitude. Burden is an unquestionable playmaker in the open field. Still, if teams believe he can't get himself open regularly without help from the scheme, he could end up going on Day 2 instead of the first round.
Height: 5-foot-11, Weight: 191, RAS: N/A
Mathew Golden's teammate at Texas, Isaiah Bond, was the leading receiving threat going into the 2024 season, but Golden took that spot with his play. At the combine he outran Bond in the 40-yard dash, 4.28 to 4.39. Golden has risen from a Day 2 receiver to possibly the first pure WR off the board. Golden is an excellent three-level receiver who isn't just a deep threat because he can run by people but a legitimate receiving option who is also very fast.
[IMG alt="Sept. 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA;
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) signals for a first down during the first half of an NCAA Division I football game against the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday at Ohio Stadium."]https://media.zenfs.com/en/dallas_c...es_693/640b0618090350dc5f7d758346c844a9[/IMG]
Height: 6-foot, Weight: 202, RAS: 9.72
Emeka Egbuka is talked about like a great offensive guard prospect would be. He is plug-and-play who does everything a coach could want from a first-round pick. He will be a leader in the locker room, great in the film room, and he does the dirty work underneath as a blocker. He has never been higher than a second option at Ohio State behind Garrett Wilson, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jeremiah Smith, so there is a question on his ceiling at the NFL level.
Height: 6-foot-4, Weight: 219, RAS: N/A
A once consensus top-10 prospect, Tetairoa McMillan has fallen; on some boards as far as into the 20s. The reason most give is that tall receivers don't do as well in the NFL anymore. The league is looking for shifty separators, or speedy receiving options, but Mike Evans and Drake London have done well, and McMillan seems to match up well with what those two were as college prospects.
Evans stands 6-foot-5, 231 pounds, and ran a 4.53 in the 40. London was the same height and weight as McMillan and was a top-10 selection. McMillan shouldn't be someone teams overthink. He has the size and hands to be a matchup nightmare in man coverage, and he was one of the top receivers in broken tackles with 29. McMillan should be the pick if any team is looking for a receiver to be their top option in the passing game.
Height: 6-foot-1, Weight: 185, RAS: N/A
Travis Hunter could be a cornerback for some teams, but he is the top option if drafted as a receiver. He is a playmaker who can take a screen to the house from anywhere on the field or go over the top of a cornerback on a vertical route. He has enough ability as a route runner to win on slants or double moves and is also a bad-ball catcher that impacts redzone production. Even if Hunter is a full-time corner and an offensive weapon for 12-18 plays, he would be such a threat that a top-five selection would be worth it to an offense.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or Bluesky @mike-crum-cdpiglet.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Best 5 WR fits for the Dallas Cowboys
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Jalen Tolbert has 73 receptions, 890 yards, and nine touchdowns in 42 games over three seasons in Dallas. Last year, with a chance to step up as the second option, Tolbert had 49 receptions for 610 yards, and seven scores. That isn't enough for a contending team, especially with his lack of blocking ability. Behind Tolbert, the other five receivers have combined for 84 catches, 1,004 yards, and six touchdowns. Even if a few young players develop, the team needs a better second option at receiver.
Here are the top five prospects for that position in the 2025 NFL draft.
5. WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
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Height: 6-foot, Weight: 206, RAS: N/A
When mock drafts first began, Luther Burden III was considered an early first-round prospect. Perception now has him falling as far as the second round on some mock draft boards. Plenty have said this is due to his strengths after the catch, and a possible diva attitude. Burden is an unquestionable playmaker in the open field. Still, if teams believe he can't get himself open regularly without help from the scheme, he could end up going on Day 2 instead of the first round.
4. WR Matthew Golden, Texas
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Height: 5-foot-11, Weight: 191, RAS: N/A
Mathew Golden's teammate at Texas, Isaiah Bond, was the leading receiving threat going into the 2024 season, but Golden took that spot with his play. At the combine he outran Bond in the 40-yard dash, 4.28 to 4.39. Golden has risen from a Day 2 receiver to possibly the first pure WR off the board. Golden is an excellent three-level receiver who isn't just a deep threat because he can run by people but a legitimate receiving option who is also very fast.
3. WR Emeka Egbuka, Ohio State
[IMG alt="Sept. 7, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA;
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (2) signals for a first down during the first half of an NCAA Division I football game against the Western Michigan Broncos on Saturday at Ohio Stadium."]https://media.zenfs.com/en/dallas_c...es_693/640b0618090350dc5f7d758346c844a9[/IMG]
Height: 6-foot, Weight: 202, RAS: 9.72
Emeka Egbuka is talked about like a great offensive guard prospect would be. He is plug-and-play who does everything a coach could want from a first-round pick. He will be a leader in the locker room, great in the film room, and he does the dirty work underneath as a blocker. He has never been higher than a second option at Ohio State behind Garrett Wilson, Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jeremiah Smith, so there is a question on his ceiling at the NFL level.
2. WR Tetairoa McMillan, Ohio State
You must be registered for see images
Height: 6-foot-4, Weight: 219, RAS: N/A
A once consensus top-10 prospect, Tetairoa McMillan has fallen; on some boards as far as into the 20s. The reason most give is that tall receivers don't do as well in the NFL anymore. The league is looking for shifty separators, or speedy receiving options, but Mike Evans and Drake London have done well, and McMillan seems to match up well with what those two were as college prospects.
Evans stands 6-foot-5, 231 pounds, and ran a 4.53 in the 40. London was the same height and weight as McMillan and was a top-10 selection. McMillan shouldn't be someone teams overthink. He has the size and hands to be a matchup nightmare in man coverage, and he was one of the top receivers in broken tackles with 29. McMillan should be the pick if any team is looking for a receiver to be their top option in the passing game.
1. WR Travis Hunter, Colorado
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Height: 6-foot-1, Weight: 185, RAS: N/A
Travis Hunter could be a cornerback for some teams, but he is the top option if drafted as a receiver. He is a playmaker who can take a screen to the house from anywhere on the field or go over the top of a cornerback on a vertical route. He has enough ability as a route runner to win on slants or double moves and is also a bad-ball catcher that impacts redzone production. Even if Hunter is a full-time corner and an offensive weapon for 12-18 plays, he would be such a threat that a top-five selection would be worth it to an offense.
You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or Bluesky @mike-crum-cdpiglet.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 2025 NFL draft: Best 5 WR fits for the Dallas Cowboys
Continue reading...
