(Editor's Note: Heading into the upcoming NFL Draft, held May 8-10, DallasCowboys.com will take a closer look at the prospects, including some that could be potential fits with the Cowboys. Today's featured player is LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry).
Name:Jarvis Landry
Position:Wide Receiver
College: LSU
Height/Weight:5-11/195
Age:21
Honors:Landry was named second-team All-SEC in 2013, after he hauled in 77 catches for 1,193 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Key stat:Averaged 15.5 yards per reception, despite his high tally of 77 catches on the season. That mark is good enough for third in LSU history. He finished second in the SEC in receptions and No. 3 in receiving yards, and he tied for third in the conference in touchdowns.
Where He's Projected:Some considered Landry a possible first-round pick, up until he posted a 4.77 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine last month. Landry is considered more of a possession receiver than a burner, so it wasn't completely damning – but it still wasn't necessarily good. LSU is still yet to hold its annual Pro Day, so Landry should have an opportunity to improve that time. Still, he seems more likely to be a second, perhaps third round pick, while his speedier counterpart Odell Beckham Jr. projects in the first.
How He Helps the Cowboys:If you're committed to keeping Terrance Williams on the outside as a No. 2 receiver and a potential deep threat, Landry could make a fantastic addition as a slot receiver. As mentioned above, he isn't a speedster, but his fantastic hands and willingness to run routes over the middle could make him a valuable addition the receiving corps. Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones recently said he didn't consider wide receiver a big need, but Landry's possible availability in the second or third round could make him appealing.
Broaddus' Take: One of the appealing things about Landry is that he played in more of a pro-style offense last season under Cam Cameron at LSU. When you watched him and Odell Beckham run routes, there was a better design and concepts than many college offenses. Under Cameron, the offense used the entire route tree, which was different than previous seasons.
What I really like about Landry is that he is a fearless player when it comes to going to get the ball. He will take his route anywhere to grab the ball and is at his best when he can catch the ball in traffic. Time and time again, he has shown he will catch the ball in tight spots no matter if the defender is hanging all over him. He is not allowing the cornerback to knock it away from him. He fights for every ball that is thrown in his direction and will not give up.
He also has outstanding field of awareness and knows how to work his feet along the sideline, keeping them in bounds. He can bend his body to put himself in position to catch poorly thrown passes and will run option routes. Another bit of veteran savvy: Landry understands how to get open regardless of man or zone coverage. [embedded_ad]
This guy is always on the move -- rarely do see him standing still. He will line up all over the formation, but some of his best work comes out of the slot. There is a real purpose to his route running. He is able to adjust to the ball if thrown over his head or near the ground, and he finds ways to make plays. Can take simple passes and make large gains with his run after catch. There is nice technique in his ability to run routes but also fight coverage -- not afraid to get physical with defenders. He will slap hands down to buy himself space in the route. Has a nose for the sticks with the ball in his hands -- is always trying to go forward. His hands are outstanding. Can make the circus catches appear very easy.
Maybe my favorite thing about Landry: he is super competitive and nasty. He plays with a chip on his shoulder, and he doesn't give an inch.
He pulled a hamstring at the Combine on his 40 so will have to run for the scouts on his Pro Day on April 9. They will put some pressure on him to preform, but this will not be an issue at all.
I have him graded in the second round even without the 40 time because he plays fast enough on tape. There is no doubt that you can draft him and play him all over the formation and that makes him a great fit for the Cowboys opposite a guy like Dez Bryant.
