Welcome to SKOL Search!
This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.
The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.
The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.
Background
Jacob Cowing
- Arizona
- Transfer from UTEP
- Height-5110
- Weight-175 lbs
- Fifth-year senior
- 2-Star recruit per 247 Sports
- Stats: 486 targets, 309 receptions, 4,325, 14.0 YPR, 31 touchdowns, 12 rushes, 102 yards, 1 touchdown
- Games watched: Mississippi State 2023, Washington 2023, UTEP 2023, Utah 2023
Strengths
Cowing is a slot receiver that has some versatility to line up on the outside. In 2023, Cowing lined up in the slot on 298 passing snaps (70%).
He is a smooth and shifty mover, able to beat you with speed and cut off angles or by putting his foot in the ground and juke his way around you. Does a great job getting yards after the catch with 471 (65.8%) of his receiving yards after the catch.
Cowing has the ability to snap off routes. Can maintain speed through his cuts and gain separation quickly.
Has good awareness on the field. He knows where he is at all times and can get his feet down in bounds.
Hands are a plus for Cowing. He had drop rates of 16.2% and 16.3% in his first two seasons and that number improved each of the next three seasons with all of them over 111 targets. Cowing had just five drops on 112 targets in 2023.
Weaknesses
Cowing has speed and is quick but he doesn’t vary his tempo enough. There isn’t the element of starting and stopping that you want to see.
Size is a concern with Cowing. He is listed at 5110 and 175 lbs on ESPN but Arizona’s website doesn’t list a weight for Cowing. Play strength isn’t a plus trait for Cowing, and that could be a concern in press coverage. His size could be a major concern and limit him to be a slot-only player.
In that same vein, contested catches are not a strength. He has a career mark of 34.7% (25/72) with a high mark of 50% in 2022.
Releases weren’t varied much at the college level. He has the footwork and quickness to develop in this area but it’s not defined yet.
Overview
| Hands | 8.3/10 |
| Release | 7.3/10 |
| Route Running | 12.5/15 |
| Separation | 12.9/15 |
| Contested Catches | 6.9/10 |
| Tracking | 7.7/10 |
| Body Control | 8.0/10 |
| YAC Ability | 8.0/10 |
| Agility | 8.3/10 |
| Grade | 79.9/100 Third Round |
I am a big fan of Cowing’s game. He can play football and will fit in with today’s modern NFL game. Due to his size profile, he won’t be for everyone, but the skills are there to be a weapon from the slot.
