Cowboys pick dynamic, fast-rising receiver in new ESPN NFL mock draft

The Dallas Cowboys are in need of help at receiver, and one fast-rising prospect could be the right choice.
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden stiff arms Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden stiff arms Kentucky Wildcats defensive back Maxwell Hairston in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Texas / Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The NFL Draft is quickly approaching, and with a new coaching staff still coming together under Brian Schottenheimer, no one truly knows which direction the Dallas Cowboys will go once they are finally on the clock.

For many, the clear choice is running back Ashton Jeanty, who is the most popular mock pick for Dallas by a landslide. Meanwhile, other prospects like Penn State's Tyler Warren and Missouri's Luther Burden have also been among the options for draft enthusiasts.

MORE: Cowboys no longer the most hated team in Dallas thanks to unbelievable trade

However, there is one name at a position of need for the Cowboys that has been skyrocketing up draft boards in recent weeks, and according to ESPN, he could be the choice.

In Matt Miller's latest mock draft, the Cowboys will select Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden with the No. 12 overall pick, giving CeeDee Lamb a true partner on the outside, and Dak Prescott another serious playmaking weapon.

Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden scores a touchdown against Michigan defensive back Aamir Hall during the first half
Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden scores a touchdown against Michigan defensive back Aamir Hall during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"Golden is a surging prospect," Miller wrote. "He started the season as Texas' No. 2 receiver but became its go-to target late in the season and in the College Football Playoff, finishing with 58 receptions for 987 yards and nine touchdowns. His yards-after-catch ability and speed would provide a perfect complement to CeeDee Lamb."

At Texas, Golden began the season as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Isaiah Bond, and while he was a big get for Steve Sarkisian in the offseason, Bond was the one getting most of the attention before the start of the year.

MORE: Would Dallas Cowboys trade for Myles Garrett to bring him home?

But once the season started, it did not take Golden long to exceed his expectations. By Week 2 against Michigan, Golden was already Quinn Ewers' favorite target at the receiver position in the offense. And by the end of the season, he had cemented himself as a first-round NFL Draft pick.

Yes, Golden's 58 catches for 987 yards and nine touchdowns stand out as a solid stat line. He is also a fast and explosive athlete and downfield threat. But what truly has NFL scouts drooling over his potential are his ball skills, route running, and ability to make plays in crunch time.

Matthew Golden, Texas Longhorn
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Matthew Golden celebrates catching a long pass for a first down near the end zone. / Sara Diggins/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

On multiple occasions this season, Texas was in desperate need of play down the field, and in nearly all of those moments, it was Golden who came up with the answer to their prayers. Whether it was the fourth and 13 against Arizona State, a clutch catch in College Station against Texas A&M to seal the win, his two touchdowns against Arkansas, his massive outing in the SEC Championship, or any number of other performances in between, Golden proved his clutch gene time and time again.

MORE: Micah Parsons reacts to troll after comment on Luka Doncic trade

As for the Cowboys, they are in need of a similar threat in their own offense. CeeDee Lamb has been the constant focus of opposing defenses and faces double and triple coverage on a regular basis due to the team's lack of a threat elsewhere at either wideout or tight end.

And if they bring Golden into the equation, it could open things up in a big way for both Lamb and Dak Prescott.

— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI 

NFL analyst makes gut punching selection for Cowboys in mock draft

Cam Newton proposes crazy Cowboys tanking plan for Arch Manning, Nick Saban

2 Dallas Cowboys named to ESPN's top 50 free agents list

Dallas Cowboys coaching staff: New era off to strong start

Meet Sophy Laufer: Star of Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Netflix doc


Published
Matt Galatzan
MATT GALATZAN

Senior Editor/Columnist