The Dallas Cowboys’ quiet offseason has left us wondering which direction the team will go in with the No. 16 overall selection. Numerous mock drafts, including the XN Sports Mock 3.0, has the team landing an edge rusher in Anthony Barr, though defensive back has also been floated around as a real possibility.
But perhaps the team is looking to bolster its wide receiving corps.
According to NFL Media insider Ian Rapoport, the Cowboys could be targeting a wide receiver to play alongside Dez Bryant. The offense is in need of playmakers on the outside, and per the report, the team is hopeful either Odell Beckham Jr. or Marqise Lee is available.
I would not be surprised to see the #Cowboys target a WR in the first round to play alongside Dez Bryant. If Beckham or Lee are there at 16…
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 4, 2014
The Cowboys might also be considering moving out of the 16th spot if Beckham isn’t available, and instead could move down in hopes of landing Lee, who is projected to go 23rd to the Kansas City Chiefs in the XN Sports Mock 3.0.
The team released Miles Austin at the start of the offseason, leaving a vacancy at split end opposite of Bryant. Terrance Williams emerged as a legitimate threat out of the slot last year, and of course there’s tight end Jason Witten, but neither are true outside compliments to Bryant.
Cole Beasley, Dwayne Harris, Tim Benford, Lance Lewis, LaRon Byrd and Jamar Newsome round out the wide receiver position on the depth chart.
Dallas may also be considering adding another type of pass-catching threat in that spot. Top-rated tight end Eric Ebron may be in play as well, according to Rapoport, as the team looks to improve its pass-happy offense. Not to mention Ebron is the 2014 draft class’ top tight end, and Witten turns 32 this week.
