While there has been plenty of concern expressed, and with good reason, for the Cowboys’ short-term problems at running back and long-term problems at quarterback, we might take a moment to consider, too, that Dallas is likely to have a looming problem at wide receiver, as well. That’s because, even if CeeDee Lamb is secured to a substantial contract extension this offseason as anticipated, the Cowboys are still facing a significant depth problem.
Lamb is the top receiver. Brandin Cooks is the second, but will be 31 and is entering the final year of his contract. Last year’s third was Michael Gallup, who was abruptly released after another extremely disappointing season. So this year’s third is … well, we’ll get back to you on that. It might be 2022 third-rounder Jalen Tolbert. It could be little-used third-year man KaVontae Turpin, or sixth-round pick Ryan Flournoy.
The issue is, at this time next year, the Cowboys might well have practically no one on the depth chart behind Lamb.
Therefore, in NBC Sports’ “way-too-early” 2025 NFL mock draft, they have the Cowboys looking down I-35 at Austin, and selecting emerging Texas receiver Isaiah Bond for the job.
Isaiah Bond Measures Only 5-11, 182 Pounds
Bond is not a large receiver, but could thrive opposite Lamb regardless. In its summary, NBC wrote of Bond, who has transferred to Austin after starting his career with Alabama:
“Bond (5-11, 182 pounds) caught 49-of-75 targets (65%) for 668 yards and four touchdowns as a sophomore first-year starter last year. He spent 60% of his reps in the slot, averaging 2.02 yards per route with a 12.8 ADOT and 4.6 YAC. Bond will have the advantage of taking over a WR1/2 role in head coach Steve Sarkisian’s potent offense this year and has first-round upside if he can put it all together.”
Bond was one of the top players that the Tide lost this offseason in the wake of the retirement of coach Nick Saban. He decided to go to Texas in what he called a business decision.
“Just like the business world, you make the best decision for your company,” Bond told ESPN. “My company right now is my draft stock. I feel like I’m putting myself in position to increase that and have better draft stock.”
Bond was the Crimson Tide’s leader with 48 receptions during his sophomore season and was the Tide’s second-leading receiver overall with 668 yards and four touchdowns.
Cowboys Need Depth at WR
While size is likely to be a concern for Bond, he is gifted with good hands and is, essentially, the same size as Cooks (5-10, 189 pounds). In its scouting report on Bond, the draft site NFL Draft Buzz wrote: “He’s coordinated with soft, reliable hands, and Bond shows the ability to adjust to balls thrown behind him, as well as a knack for digging out low throws.
“Bond also proved to be a force in catch-and-run situations. A violent runner who transitions upfield quickly after the catch, he has the speed to pick up chunks of yardage once he’s broken the first tackle.”
There is no doubt that the Cowboys are in the midst of a remake at several key spots, and it began this season with the retooling of the offensive line and the running back room.
Dak Prescott’s deal and what will happen next is the next thing to consider.
But no matter the outcome of Lamb's contract, it's essential for the Cowboys to add more depth at the wide-receiver position.
