Rising Shrine Bowl star could solve Cowboys wide receiver problem

The Dallas Cowboys are currently searching for a new offensive coordinator, and reconfiguring their coaching staff, but there’s plenty to talk about as far as how the front office will improve the roster after another playoff disappointment.

With minimal cap space to work with this offseason, the Cowboys will once again rely heavily on the NFL Draft to bring in impact players.

The draft hasn’t quite taken centerstage yet, but Shrine Bowl practices just concluded, and fans have started the countdown to the East-West Shrine Bowl game Thursday. From there, members of Dallas’ staff will head to Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl.

Like the Shrine Bowl, another accumulation of prospects will practice before three days before putting their skills to the test in a game.

As far as the East-West Shrine Bowl is concerned, though, the Cowboys are hopefully closely monitoring Boston College wideout Zay Flowers.

Flowers was arguably the top offensive performer from the three days of practice, and there’s growing buzz that he’ll come off the board late in the first round. Last time we checked, Dallas holds the No. 26 overall pick this year.

Boston College WR Zay Flowers a potential Cowboys 2023 draft target.

Flowers measured in a 5-9 and 182 pounds at the Shrine Bowl, but he plays much bigger than his size. The Cowboys could certainly use a “bigger” receiver, but CeeDee Lamb is 6-2 and plays like Calvin Johnson, and Michael Gallup, though coming off a down year, is 6-1 and one of the best jump ball WRs in the game.

Simply put, Dallas shouldn’t be looking for a specific profile of receiver. The Cowboys need better route-runners and players who can beat man coverage, and Flowers is as pro-ready as they come in the regard. If you’re good enough, you’re tall enough, and Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel, Jaylen Waddle, Tyler Lockett, and Diontae Johnson are just some wide receivers under 6-feet tall who star every Sunday.

Another problem with Dallas’ non-CeeDee Lamb receivers in 2022 was making defenders miss after the catch. Despite boasting elite vertical speed, Flowers is difficult to keep track of in intermediate areas. He’s also a natural ball-carrier, as evidenced by this electrifying touchdown run against Louisville.

Imagine pairing that athleticism with Lamb? The two-time Pro Bowler is a monster producing yards after the catch. Tony Pollard is the only other weapon capable of making defenders miss. By drafting Flowers, the Cowboys would give opposing defenses another dimension to account for in their receiver room.

Regardless, Flowers’ stock is on the rise, and he’s gaining steam as a potential Day 1 pick at the Shrine Bowl. With a strong pro day and combine, the Boston College product could cement himself as a first-round prospect.

He’s definitely a name to watch during the pre-draft process.

Cowboys 2023 Draft: Early look at potential candidates for No. 26 pick

The Cowboys are locked in to the No. 26 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Let's look at some prospects Dallas could select in the first round.