Cowboys add freak athlete to WR room in Ryan Flournoy: Instant grade and analysis

Credit where it's due: the Dallas Cowboys aren't forcing the issue at running back. After using their fifth-round pick on Wake Forest cornerback Caelen Carson, the Cowboys drafted Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Ryan Flournoy with the No. 216 pick in the sixth round.

The Cowboys love throwing darts at receivers in the latter rounds of the draft. They did so last year with South Carolina's Jalen Brooks.

Flournoy is raved about for his athleticism. In fact, Flournoy posted the fastest GPS time during position drills at the combine, per Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. Ironically, Rams phenom Puka Nacua accomplished that in 2023 so make of that what you will.

Flournoy might be an older prospect, but it's refreshing to see the Cowboys take chances on big-time athletes late in the draft.

Cowboys NFL Draft grade for Ryan Flournoy selection: C+

Unless it's a major heist in terms of value, it's hard to give a seventh-round pick anything higher than a B grade. These are filler picks more than anything, but Flournoy is worth getting excited about. He was ranked as the 29th-best wide receiver and given a sixth-round grade by The Athletic's Dane Brugler.

Additionally, Fournoy appeared on Bruce Feldman's annual "Freaks" list. He's a project in terms of route-running and other nuances of the position, but he boasts a wide catch radius and outstanding body control throughout the catch process.

Flournoy dominated at SE Missouri and Cenral Missouri, but he shined at the Senior Bowl against superior competition. In Mobile, Flournoy demonstrated his versatility, winning in the slot and on the outside against bigger corners. He'll struggle creating separation against press coverage in the NFL, but he could develop into a rotation receiver with the right coaching.

Luckily for Flournoy, the Cowboys' WR depth chart is anything but deep. The WR3 and WR4 spots seemingly are up for grabs and there could be room for a fifth spot. His competition will include Jalen Tolbert, Jalen Brooks, Martavis Bryant, David Durden and Jalen Cropper.

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