Cowboys should be ready to add this explosive draft day pivot
The Dallas Cowboys head into the draft with a defensive wishlist longer than a Texas highway, and most fans are hoping their first-round pick will be someone who can tackle something. However, the draft has a funny way of shaking out, and sometimes things don’t go according to plan. If their top defensive prospects are taken, they may surprise everyone and add another weapon to the offense. If they are forced to pivot away from the defense and want to add some more fireworks to the offense, there is one specific wideout from the Big Ten who deserves a very long look.
WR, Omar Cooper Jr., Indiana
Height: 6’0” | Weight: 199 pounds | Speed: 4.42 forty time
Background
His college journey started in the humble trenches of kickoff duty as a freshman, which is basically the college football equivalent of starting in the mailroom. He showed flashes of brilliance during an impressive sophomore season, though he did have a few public run-ins with the coaching staff regarding his consistency. Everything finally clicked during his breakout campaign last year, where he transformed into a legitimate nightmare for opposing defensive backs. The highlight of his rise was an absolutely absurd four-touchdown performance against Indiana State that put him on the first-round radar. By the time the season ended, he was a key component in helping the Indiana Hoosiers take down college football’s biggest prize.
Strengths
The most obvious thing about his game is the pure athleticism that allows him to move like he is controlled by a video game joystick. He possesses outstanding hands that seem to have their own gravitational pull, making difficult catches look like routine warm-up drills. Once the ball is in his grasp, the real show begins because his run-after-the-catch ability is top-tier. He has a stocky, powerful build that allows him to bounce off initial tacklers like a pinball, turning simple five-yard slants into massive gains that leave defenders trailing behind.
What makes him even more attractive as a prospect is the other ways he can help out. He is not just a finesse player who does the fun stuff. He is a surprisingly physical and willing blocker in the run game. This toughness serves him well in the middle of the field, where he is unafraid to do the dirty work. Perhaps most importantly, he showed significant maturity growth over his final season, answering the early questions about his focus by becoming a reliable leader for his offense. He has evolved from a raw athlete into a polished weapon who understands how to win in various ways.
Weaknesses
While he is fun to watch, he’s not as refined as some might desire. He has a somewhat limited route tree. He was often used in specific ways to maximize his explosive nature rather than being asked to do different things. There are also some lingering concerns about his true deep speed, as he occasionally struggles to create cushions against the elite burners at the cornerback position. While his maturity improved significantly, NFL teams will still do their homework on those early career speed bumps with his coaching staff to ensure he is ready for the professional spotlight.
The Fit
Looking at the current Cowboys’ roster, he would be a fantastic addition to an offense that already features some high-level talent. CeeDee Lamb can do a little bit of everything and is the team’s alpha, and George Pickens is the deep threat who also can co-alpha if needed. Cooper would create so many problems underneath that defenses would be at a loss in how to slow down the Cowboys’ offense. It would be a complete nightmare for opposing teams.
The Final Word
Projected to be a late first-round selection, he could come into play if the Cowboys get washed out on defense and decide to punish others for their stinginess. With the long-term outlook of Pickens still not set in stone, it could secure a Lamb sidekick for years to come, helping the offense keep its foot on the gas while the defense is still under construction. It might not be the first choice, but adding a player like Cooper, who can turn a small gain into a big play, is never something anyone should shy away from.
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