FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Arizona wide receiver Jacob Cowing.

• 2024 NFL Draft Guide
• 2024 NFL Draft Prospects to Watch: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | iOL | DL | EDGE | LB | S | CB
• 2024 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Picks & Predictions

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jacob Cowing

Jacob Cowing (WR – Arizona)

5’11” – 175 lbs.

Background:

Arizona native who originally attended Texas-El Paso, playing three seasons with the Miners and leading the team in receiving all three years, beginning with a freshman season of 31-550-3 (17.7). Production escalated throughout his tenure, going 41-691-3 (16.9) as a sophomore and then putting together a massive junior line of 69-1,354-7 (19.6) before transferring to Arizona, where he finished with an impressive 85-1,034-7 (12.2) line in 2022 despite dealing with a knee injury. Wasn’t quite as dynamic this season, but still ended up with a productive line of 89-868-13 (9.8).

Positives:

Highly productive receiver who has shown that he can produce against a higher level of competition. Quickness and technique allow him to release better at the line than his size would suggest. Pretty quick accelerator who can eat up cushions and put pressure on defenders sitting in off-coverage. Showed the ability to function as a rare deep threat at UTEP, with a relatively high percentage of his routes taking him to the third level of the field, often working double-moves, which he sells well. Fast enough to threaten down the seams; leans into opponents before breaking. Shows the ability to get into and out of breaks quickly, with a low center of gravity. Works back to the ball when targeted on comebacks. Excellent ball skills for a player of his size; compensates for only adequate height with his leaping ability and the consistency with which he high-points throws. Makes good adjustments to the ball when targeted away from his frame. Can be dangerous after the catch and was often targeted on routes into the flats and other patterns of that nature to get him the ball with room to work; nice spin back outside when catching throws off of in-routes/slants. Positioning and balance as a blocker suggest some untapped potential.

Negatives:

Probably a slot-only receiver who may be asked to add more bulk/functional strength. Was able to make plays downfield in college, but isn’t a true burner and can struggle to run past defenders in man. Glides through some stems a little bit, particularly on shorter routes, and would like to see a little bit more snap. Didn’t run many short routes, particularly those which take him over the middle of the field, and may not have the ideal frame for working between the hashes the next level; usage might be a little bit different as a pro than it was in college. Doesn’t show a consistent sense of urgency or physicality as a blocker, and upside in that area may be limited by his lack of ideal bulk.

Summary:

A productive, savvy slot receiver who has the speed, quickness, and savvy to contribute in that capacity as a pro, and who is a little bit more dynamic than your typical slot target. In a deep receiver class, could slip to the third day, but represents a relatively safe selection at the position.

Projection: Round 4