It is finally draft season for Lions fans.
Brad Holmes and his front office have proven they are very capable of putting together great draft classes. They have had major hits on every day of the draft, but especially on Day Two. This roster isn’t in desperate need of much because of his work, but they do have some positions that need to be addressed.
This offseason, they should be focusing on getting better play out of their defensive backs, adding depth on the defensive line, and building out the wide receiver room.
These scouting reports should introduce you to some of the names that Lions fans could hear during the three days of the NFL Draft.
Background
- Height: 5’8″
- Weight: 165
- 2-star recruit according to 247 Sports
- 5th year senior, transferred from UTEP
- 2nd team All-American in 2023
- 2024 Senior Bowl attendee
College Production
- 315 receptions on 495 targets
- 4,504 receiving yards
- 33 receiving touchdowns
- 14.3 yards per reception
Notable PFF Stats
- 11.7 average depth of target
- Drop percentage of 9.5%
- Makes contested catches at a rate of 36.5%
- 103.5 quarterback rating when targeted
Traits and Skills
Route Running
Jacob Cowing runs some of the crispest routes I have seen thus far in my process. He runs a variety of routes and also has no problem extending them for his quarterback. He has some issues at the line when pressed due to his size but could have that coached up and corrected to maximize his ability as a route runner fully.
YAC Ability
Cowing has the instincts and vision with the ball in his hand to be lethal after the catch. I like his ability to catch something at the line of scrimmage or across the middle and turn upfield for a big gain. He wastes no movement doing this and thus makes him an instant impact on any team that drafts him.
Body Control
You don’t expect a smaller wide receiver to play as big as Cowing does but time and again he shows it. He has no problem going up for a contested catch the same way he has no problem tip-toeing down a sideline. Amazing body control and it allows him to work sidelines and endzones remarkably well.
Fit within the Lions roster
Jacob Cowing may grade out on Day 3 for me, but that doesn’t mean I have any problem with him as a prospect. His size is concerning; we don’t see many smaller wide receivers finding reliable success in today’s NFL. That being said, players like Tutu Atwell and Tank Dell in the past couple of years have shown they can thrive.
Cowing would be another small receiver on the roster, but his style is unlike any of the others. The speed he has while working cross the middle or in the slot is vital for this offense to take the next step. If it isn’t Cowing, then it needs to be addressed another way.
