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The Dallas Cowboys went seven rounds in the 2015 NFL Draft without selecting a single wide receiver. Granted, it’s not a pressing need with Dez Bryant, Terrance Williams and Cole Beasley solidified atop the depth chart, but it’s a position that needed addressing. Rather than drafting one, Dallas waited until the seventh round ended to bring in some intriguing prospects as undrafted free agents.
Headlining those names are former USC wide receiver George Farmer and Antwan Goodley of Baylor. While those are the top names brought in by the front office, the list of wideouts doesn’t end there. Lucky Whitehead from Florida Atlantic University and Houston’s Deontay Greenberry are also fighting for a spot on the 53-man roster.
The most intriguing of the group is Farmer, who was given $55,000 guaranteed by the Cowboys, the most of any undrafted free agent prior to La’el Collins’ signing. What makes Farmer stand out from the rest of the undrafted players is his potential. Not only does he run a 4.32 second 40-yard dash at 6 feet 2 inches and 220 pounds, but he was the No. 1 wide receiver and No. 3 overall recruit coming out of high school in 2011. In fact, he was ranked above Odell Beckham Jr., Sammy Watkins and DeVante Parker at his position.
George Farmer was #1 WR in ’11, ahead of Odell Beckham, Sammy Watkins, Kelvin Benjamin, Jarvis Landry, DeVante Parker pic.twitter.com/Umevgr40nr
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 5, 2015
Of course, college recruiting rankings have to be taken with a grain of salt, but it should absolutely be noted. At USC, Farmer didn’t exactly translate into the player he was pegged to be. With only one full season of college ball under his belt, he lacks solid experience at the position. With that said, he’ll have to make up for it with plays in training camp, although he already seems to have an edge with the coaches in his huge contract guarantee.
For Goodley, he’s done the exact opposite of Farmer. While he lacks ideal size, he makes up for it with production and versatility. Goodley is an experienced return man and also lined up at running back during his time at Baylor, which adds another wrinkle to his game. His numbers dipped in 2014 after going off for 71 catches, 1,339 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2013, but that could be due to the depth at wide receiver in Baylor’s spread offense.
Similar to Goodley, Whitehead offers versatility as well. With Dallas lacking a true return specialist, Whitehead should be able to step in and take over the role with success. As a return man at FAU, Whitehead averaged 24.6 yards per return in 2014. By comparison, Harris averaged 24.7 in 2014 and is seen as one of the top return men in the NFL.
When it’s all said and done, there could be four wide receivers fighting for one or two spots on the 53-man roster. Bryant, Williams, Beasely and 2014 draft pick Devin Street are currently the top receivers on the roster, but it’s not out of the question for Dallas to carry two more receivers in 2015. Farmer is likely the favorite to fill one of the remaining spots, with Goodley and Whitehead not far behind. It will be one of the best battles to watch throughout training camp, and it’ll be interesting to see whether Dallas chooses to carry five or six receivers into the season.
