Dallas Cowboys 2018 Hidden Gem: Cedrick Wilson Jr.

The Dallas Cowboys wide receivers will look completely different in 2018, and one player who could surprise is rookie sixth-round pick Cedrick Wilson Jr.

Football is in the blood of Cedrick Wilson Jr. The Dallas Cowboys sixth-round pick is the son of former San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Cedrick Wilson, Sr. Just because his father spent seven years in the league though, the younger Wilson doesn’t enter without having proven himself as a player.

A former high school quarterback, Wilson is still relatively new to the wide out position and had to spend two seasons playing at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas before getting his shot in a big time collegiate football program.

Once he ended up getting that chance with Boise State, he took full advantage. In 2016 Wilson recorded 1,129 yards off 56 receptions and had 11 touchdowns. His touchdown total dropped to seven as a senior, but Wilson improved his yardage to 1,511 while pulling in 83 receptions.

For his career, the speedy receiver averaged an impressive 19 yards per catch. That kind of downfield threat was something the Cowboys lacked int heir offense last season, which makes this rookie a potential hidden gem on a roster desperate for a wide receiver to step up. He’s also already getting a lot of love for his work in the offseason programs.

It’s not often that the 208th player taken in the draft turns heads right away, but there’s reason to buy the hype on this kid. He has the size at 6-2 to play out on the edges, but showed enough discipline in his route running that he could be an option as a taller slot receiver.

The best thing about him though — he’s only going to get better considering how raw he is at the position with just four years experience.

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So while it’s fair to wonder what the Cowboys will do now that they have moved on from Dez Bryant, it’s also okay to be excited about some of the young talent. As for Wilson, he could quickly become one of the better options for a team needing a breakout star.