Cowboys Draft WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Dallas Native - vs. Free Agent Signing?
It is no secret that the Dallas Cowboys need more offensive firepower. With CeeDee Lamb sometimes carrying too big a load, yes, he needs help.
Several options have already been floated, a list that includes ready-made NFL stars DeAndre Hopkins, Odell Beckham Jr., and even Keenan Allen, but all come with a hefty price tag.
But could the Cowboys stick to their "draft and develop" philosophy?
If they do, then Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba - who happens to be a Dallas kid, having starred at Rockwall High School - could be the pick.
A slot receiver with superb production, Smith-Njigba finished his 2021 season with 95 receptions for 1,606 yards and nine touchdowns, essentially playing as a No.3 in 2021 behind current NFL receivers in Chris Olave and Garrett Wilson.
Despite a hamstring injury ruining his 2022 season, there is a thought that it will not hinder his draft stock ... but if it does, he may fall to the Cowboys, who currently hold the 26th pick.
One thing that stands out for Smith-Njigba and something that the Dallas front office will like is that in 2021, when passing in his direction, the quarterback rating was 141.8.
Also...
The current crop of Cowboys receivers too often failed to get separation regularly (Lamb aside). Smith-Njigba doesn't have such problems as he regularly gets open with quick, sharp cuts, which is a valuable weapon in his tool box ... and if Dallas is to move to the West Coast offense under head coach/play caller Mike McCarthy, then getting early separation is crucial.
It all sounds like a fit, right?
If enough other teams pass on him, the Cowboys could find a fine partner for Lamb and a fine target for Dak Prescott ... and they can continue their philosophy of "draft-and-develop'' for another year, all while keeping a big chunk of their salary cap available for other needs.
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