Dallas Cowboys: Southern Miss WR Quez Watkins is an Intriguing Option

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The Dallas Cowboys are working to get a long-term deal done with quarterback Dak Prescott. While those particulars are being sorted out, they did re-sign wide receiver Amari Cooper to a five-year, 100 million dollar deal to keep him alongside Michael Gallup.

The Cowboys did lose a piece in the passing game, though, as veteran Randall Cobb went south to join the Houston Texans on a three-year, 27 million dollar deal. That leaves a hole at the slot position and Southern Miss wide receiver Quez Watkins could fill it immediately.

After redshirting his first year in 2016, Watkins contributed mildly with 23 receptions for 337 yards and three touchdowns in 2017. A year later, Watkins exploded to another level with 72 receptions for 889 yards and nine touchdowns while also garnering first-team All-Conference USA honors. In 2019, Watkins finished his collegiate career in strong fashion as he amassed 64 receptions for 1,178 yards and six touchdowns while receiving his second consecutive first-team All-Conference USA nod.

At the NFL Combine, Watkins ran a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash which was ranked second amongst wide receivers and third overall. His 36.5-inch vertical helps him adjust to the ball well in the air and make contested catches. He has excellent acceleration once the ball is in his hands. Also, he displayed the ability to be effective on special teams averaging over 20 yards per kick return.

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Watkins is so explosive in the slot that it will open up one-on-one opportunities for Cooper and Gallup. Also, he has the ability to play on the outside and stretch the field vertically which would allow them the feast in the middle of the field on slants and crossing patterns, plenty of options.

The Dallas Cowboys could potentially steal Watkins on day three of NFL Draft. With his playmaking skills and speed, he’d be an ideal fit in the Cowboys offense.