Dallas Cowboys: Undrafted rookie receiver shining early
Every offseason, there is an undrafted rookie that makes a strong bid for a spot on the Dallas Cowboys’ roster. And it appears 2019 will be no different.
If there was a year when an undrafted rookie free agent wide receiver would not want to try and crack the Dallas Cowboys’ final roster, it’s likely this one.
With players like Amari Cooper, Michael Gallup, Randall Cobb, Allen Hurns, Tavon Austin and several more on the depth chart already, Dallas has a very talented receiver group this year. And that means NFL-worthy players could be looking for new homes come final cuts.
But there is always room for a breakout performer. And early on this offseason, Jon’Vea Johnson is fitting that bill. The undrafted rookie free agent out of Toledo was coveted by the Cowboys’ coaching staff and they jumped on him when Johnson ended up going undrafted last month.
Early signs are that Dallas was right to bring Johnson in as one of their limited 30 draft visits earlier this year. The 5-foot-10, 191 pound speedster turned in a blazing 4.38 time in the forty during his pro day. The Cowboys have been in desperate need for a receiver who can take the top off of defenses and Johnson could be the answer.
Here’s what Cowboys’ wide receivers coach, Sanjay Lal, told DallasCowboys.com recently about the impressive early play of the undrafted rookie.
"“It’s not a surprise, because we loved his film, but Jon’Vea the last two days, his speed and athleticism and how smooth he is has shown up here – almost a little bit earlier than we thought it would.”"
As a sophomore, Johnson recorded 40 receptions for 773 yards and 10 touchdowns in only 12 contests for the Rockets. Last season, he had near identical numbers posting 32 catches for 660 yards and nine scores in 13 games.
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Make no mistake. Jon’Vea Johnson faces a steep uphill battle to crack the Dallas Cowboys’ final 53-man roster. And anything can happen between now, training camp and the preseason. But the fact an undrafted free agent rookie who was a 30 predraft visitor is actually exceeding expectations to this point is a very good sign of things to come.