As day three of the 2024 NFL Draft winds down, the Dallas Cowboys have made five selections. They’ve bolstered positions like left tackle, defensive end, center, linebacker, and also strengthened cornerback depth by…
Day three of the 2024 NFL Draft is drawing to a close, marking a significant juncture for the Dallas Cowboys, who have already secured five picks in the proceedings. Their selections have strategically fortified key positions across the field, spanning left tackle, defensive end, center, linebacker, and cornerback depth with their initial choice on this final day.
The anticipation leading up to the Cowboys’ first pick on day three was palpable, with a considerable gap of 87 picks bridging the interval between the 87th overall selection of the third round and the 174th pick of the fifth round. Upon choosing CB Caelen Carson from Wake Forest, the team’s agenda still harbored unresolved needs within the draft landscape.
Specifically, there remained gaps in depth at wide receiver, defensive tackle, and running back positions. However, with the 216th overall pick in the sixth round, the Dallas Cowboys unveiled their choice: WR Ryan Flournoy from Southeast Missouri State.
Admittedly, there was an element of surprise surrounding this selection, as the player’s name had not garnered significant recognition prior to this moment. Some observers may have anticipated the Cowboys opting for a more high-profile pick, such as USC wide receiver and scion of football legend Jerry Rice, Brenden Rice, who remained available. Alternatively, the prospect of bolstering their defensive line with talents like Leonard Taylor III from Miami may have loomed large in the minds of draft analysts and fans alike.
What’s His Place?
As previously noted, my knowledge of WR Ryan Flournoy is limited, so I’ll share the scouting report from NFL.com.
Flournoy presents attributes and a football demeanor indicative of professional caliber, yet there are areas where he could enhance his performance. When facing off-man coverage, Flournoy effectively utilizes his size and adept ball skills to secure receptions. However, when confronted with press coverage, he may exhibit delayed reactions off the line of scrimmage and rely excessively on physicality rather than refined route-running techniques to create opportunities for his quarterback. While his route precision may lack consistency, dedicated practice could refine this aspect of his game. Nonetheless, his limited explosiveness might pose challenges against tight man-to-man coverage. Flournoy showcased noteworthy moments during the Senior Bowl, potentially positioning him as a Day 3 selection with prospects for securing a spot on an NFL roster.
According to NFL.com, his strengths include:
– Possesses the stature and build typical of an NFL-caliber receiver.
– Demonstrates a determined vertical push during the route’s drive phase.
– Exhibits the ability to maneuver back into advantageous positioning when targeted with short passes.
– Displays quick, adhesive hands and a knack for navigating through congested areas.
– Shows elusiveness and physicality when carrying the ball.
– Highly regarded by his head coach for his coachable nature and commitment to the team’s success.
The scouting report additionally suggests that Flournoy’s NFL projection is as an exceptional special teams player who could potentially make offensive contributions.
Flournoy is viewed as a candidate to bolster the special teams squad significantly, and with potential guidance from WR Coach Robert Prince, he might elevate his skills sufficiently to become a viable offensive asset in 2025.