Cowboys could target this Boise State slot WR star on Day 2 of NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys were already going to need wide receiver help when they decided to trade their WR1 Amari Cooper to the Cleveland Browns. Then, when they let esteemed backup Cedrick Wilson go to the Dolphins and depth player Malik Turner go to the 49ers, the situation only got worse. If wide receiver were the only need for the Cowboys, it would be easy to tell them to just get the best guy in the first round. The problem is that’s not the case. They also desperately need offensive line help in multiple positions.

So, what will they do? Jerry Jones has hinted at trading up (although it’s hard to take his word on anything). He’s also hinted at prioritizing the offensive line. The good news is, this draft class is so deep with wide receivers. That means Dallas can get the depth assistance they need in the second or third round if they wanted to prioritize the offensive line.

One possible option is Boise State WR Khalil Shakir. Shakir may not be as highly touted as guys like Drake London, Chris Olave, or Treylon Burkes (all players on the top-30 prospect invite list), but he can definitely become a solid WR3 behind CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup. It’s also important to remember that Gallup may not be available for Week 1. So, if you’re thinking recently signed James Washington will suffice, he simply isn’t enough.

What’s great about this Boise State product is that he provides versatility which will allow him to help in areas that Gallup and Lamb aren’t great at. He is great in the slot, but can also be used to take jet sweeps or in the backfield. Plus, we already know the Cowboys have an affinity with the Broncos. DeMarcus Lawrence, Leighton Vander Esch, Darion Thompson, and Cedrick Wilson were all drafted out of Boise State.

The Cowboys should consider drafting Boise State slot receiver Khalil Shakir in the second round of the NFL Draft

At his Pro Day, the slot receiver impressed several scouts with his 38.5-inch vertical jump. That number was somehow four inches better than what he recorded at the NFL Combine just a month earlier. Because he is shorter than most receivers (6-0), Shakir likely knows he needs to impress in other ways. His vertical numbers did that. Yet another Boise State alum, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, was there to witness it in person.

In his final year with Boise State, Shakir had 77 receptions for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns. Every single one of those stats was a career-best for the Bronco. He also was a huge help on punt returns and lined up at different spots throughout the offense. Shakir was originally predicted to go in the third round, but his impressive Pro Day may change things. Regardless, he’s a non-first-rounder who could really make an impact on this roster. Will Jerry Jones make another Cowboy out of a Bronco?