The Dallas Cowboys's offense is going through a bit of change.
This is especially evident at running back and along the offensive line, which could mean a focus on adding playmakers in the passing game in the NFL Draft.
Both in terms of boosting quarterback Dak Prescott‘s options for the 2024 season and as a possible backup plan for potentially losing CeeDee Lamb, before a likely significant contract extension, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Cowboys select a wide receiver early in this year’s draft.
In CBS Sports’ most recent mock draft projection, the Cowboys pick University of Texas standout receiver Xavier Worthy in the first round.
“Why can’t the Cowboys bring in a young, outstanding fast receiver to the receiving group?” Chris Trapasso states for CBS Sports. “Worthy staying in-state would be enjoyable for Dak Prescott.”
Worthy would add a dimension of explosiveness to Prescott’s set of skills.
Last season in Austin, Worthy caught 75 passes for 1,014 yards with five touchdowns while averaging 13.5 yards per catch as a key part of the Longhorn’s passing attack.
Pairing Worthy opposite Lamb presents a strong chance that the Cowboys would end the 2024 season with one of the more dynamic receiving duos in the NFL.
Xavier Worthy NFL Draft Evaluation
Worthy impressed at the NFL Combine, which caused his NFL Draft stock to rise.
After recording a record 4.21-second 40-yard dash, it was clear that Worthy has the speed to challenge an opposing defense, which he frequently demonstrated during his college career.
Over three seasons at Texas, Worthy caught 197 passes for 2,755 yards and 26 touchdowns.
“Worthy will find separation if allowed to explore vertically or across the hashes against man coverage,” Lance Zierlein comments on Worthy for NFL.com. “But he lacks play strength and release quickness to beat a quality NFL press. His quick-strike potential adds a sense of danger over the top and should create larger opportunities for teammates to work into.”
Meanwhile, Pro Football Focus notes that Worthy evaded 13 missed tackles during the 2023 season while gaining 234 deep yards. Adding to Worthy’s appeal is the fact that he has experience playing on the outside, lining up on the perimeter for 294 snaps last season, and in the slot, where he lined up for 196 snaps.
Jerry Jones Discusses Potential CeeDee Lamb Cowboys Extension
The Cowboys are letting Prescott play out the final year of his contract, but it seems like Lamb is a top organizational focus.
During the NFL Annual Meeting in Orlando, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones spoke about the difficulties of possibly allowing Lamb to explore free agency to determine his true market value.
“He’s out there and he’s more valuable than anybody else,” Jones mentioned, via the team’s official website. “But that valuable, to have to give up four or five players to have him, you have to get that reconciled. That’s what I’m trying to say. It’s a lot quicker and easier said than done.”
Lamb caught a career-high 135 passes for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, during a breakout 2023 season, solidifying his status as one of the Cowboys’ most vital offensive weapons.
However, Jones seems unsure about keeping Lamb with the Cowboys.
“Whoever ends up with CeeDee, hopefully us, will make sure to utilize him,” Jones stated. “It's necessary. You must maximize his impact. What has he proven? That he can handle that responsibility. We need to concentrate.”