Are the Dallas Cowboys receivers the best group in the NFC East?

Are the Dallas Cowboys receivers best in the division and in the league?

Welcome to the third installment of my positional review within the NFC East division. So far, the Dallas Cowboys offense is set up very nicely at the quarterback and running back positions, comparative to the rest of the division.

After two rounds of positional reviews, the Dallas Cowboys are far ahead of the pack with ten points. The next best team within the NFC East has just four points. Today, we move to the perimeter of the offense and examine the receiver groups within the division.

In 2020, the NFL is flush with game-changers at the receiver position. Last season alone, 29 different pass catchers eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving. Ten of those guys posted eight or more touchdowns as well. Another ten caught 90 or more passes.

Two of those electrifying playmakers play for the Dallas Cowboys. That alone would probably seal the deal for this team when deciding who has the best receiving group within the NFC East. Of course, the Cowboys were not satisfied, however, and added a third weapon to the mix via this year’s draft.

Before we get to that breakdown, we will analyze all four teams within the NFC East and grade out their receiving corps. Throughout these positional reviews, each position will earn five points to the best group, three points to second place, and one point to third. We’ll start off with the fourth-place team who will get no points for their pass-catching foursome.

Washington Redskins

Terry McLaurin, Steven Sims, Kelvin Harmon, Trey Quinn

McLaurin had a very good rookie season, especially when considering the mess that Washington had at the quarterback position. Three different quarterbacks started a game in 2019 for this team. None of them threw for more than 1,800 yards or 11 touchdowns all season.

Posting 58 receptions for 918 yards and seven touchdowns with three 100+ yard games, McLaurin proved he could be, at worst, a solid second receiver on most NFL squads. With some consistency and upgraded play from his quarterback in 2020, it’s very conceivable he could go for 1.000+ yards and 10+ touchdowns.

The rest of the group leaves a lot to be desired. Sims, Jr. and Harmon also played their first year in the league in 2019. Both failed to catch more than 35 balls or post more than 400 yards. If they do improve upon their rookie seasons, I would not expect a huge boost in numbers.

Quinn, meanwhile, would struggle to make a lot of rosters in the league, but in Washington, he’s battling Cody Lattimore for WR4. Yikes.