Originally posted by Heroism:
Nothing against this dude specifically, but I hope the 49ers don't go back to tiny slot receivers. Jauan Jennings has changed my outlook on the slot position. Having a big slot is a massive advantage on the field. The overwhelming majority of nickel DBs are tiny, so having a bigger receiver that can straight up bully them is a huge advantage in the run game. Additionally, it's incredibly helpful to Brock since he's a shorter quarterback with really short arms. Being a hair under 6-1 with 29" arms, he doesn't always get a clean window to throw through or an optimal release point. There are plays every single game where the ball is going to come out a little higher or off target than preferred, and that's where having that big slot is so beneficial. How many times have did Jauan climb the ladder or snag away a contested pass this season for Brock? If they're serious about building around Brock, don't take away that strength.
The biggest need at receiver is speed on the outside. Someone that can take snaps at the XWR or ZWR and punish man coverage.
I think Cowing is exceptional in his route running ability, if you saw him at the Senor Bowl, he was getting open against everybody. Normally I'd be in the same boat in terms of wanting a bigger receiver but I think in the right offense he can be a nightmare matchup in the slot. He's definitely got the deep speed so you have to account for him down the field but he's going to make a killing on in the short passing game.
One guy still being slept on in this DEEEEP wideout class is Arizona's Jacob Cowing.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 5, 2024
While they aren't exact same player, Cowing and Houston Texans rookie stud Tank Dell have almost identical measurables (both 5083v & around 165 lbs) and similarly dynamic tape.
Here's Cowing's… pic.twitter.com/SxeRIZVctB
Our @seniorbowl player comp for Arizona WR Jacob Cowing this fall was former Pro Bowler DeSean Jackson and the former NFL GM who scouted him was with Jackson in the league so he knows firsthand what that game speed looks like.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 5, 2024
If Cowing can get his shuttle times down at… pic.twitter.com/1nej0Ta4pA
Because of the depth in this WR class, you might be able to get Cowing in the 4th round, at which point the value is tremendous.