2012 Cowboys Draft: 5 Receivers Who Can Replace Laurent Robinson

With the NFL draft rapidly approaching all 32 teams are scurrying to pro days and scouring through countless hours of tape to finalize their draft boards. Free agency has come and gone at a feverish pace that has still left some teams in search of filling offseason needs.

The Dallas Cowboys emerged from free agency with a bounty of free agents, highlighted by the signings of Brandon Carr, Kyle Orton, Dan Connor and Brodney Pool. But while they were able to land a solid crop of free agents, they did allow Laurent Robinson to depart. Granted, the Jacksonville Jaguars overpaid for his services, but the loss of Robinson leaves a void at wide receiver behind Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. Factor in the injury problems sustained by Miles Austin in 2011 and the lack of depth should have Cowboys fans more than mildly concerned.

So that brings us to April's draft and the increasing likelihood that the Cowboys might target a receiver at some point. They could still bargain hunt for a veteran receiver but the pickings appear to be slim at this point. And the Cowboys might be better served turning to a prospect that they can integrate into the offense and develop as the years progress.

I don't believe the Cowboys would select Michael Floyd in the first round, but I'd like to highlight some prospects who could provide serious competition for the No. 3 receiver role while trying to fill the void left by Robinson. 

Joe Adams, Arkansas

At 5'11" and 180 pounds, Adams is a player not only SEC fans are familiar with but Jerry Jones is as well. A bit undersized in stature, Adams compensates for it with his play-making ability, athleticism, explosiveness and ability to stretch the field vertically. 

What makes Adams even more attractive as a prospect is his ability as a return specialist. In 2011 he amassed four touchdown returns while going on to earn SEC special teams player of the year. He could give the Cowboys a major boost in the return game while preserving Dez Bryant from the extra wear and tear that hampered him in 2011.

If the Cowboys select Adams I envision him as a dangerous slot receiver, someone they can throw the ball to in space to utilize his speed and a player that can bring an element of versatility to the offense. In a division like the NFC East you can never have enough weapons on either side of the ball. Joe Adams could be a nice replacement for Laurent Robinson while adding another dimension to the offense. 

Round Prediction: 4

Dwight Jones, North Carolina

At 6'3" and 230 pounds, Jones would present the Cowboys with a different option than Joe Adams. The Cowboys could use Jones' size and frame to be able to make tough catches in tight spaces. He's a physical route runner that competes well for the ball and led the ACC with 85 catches while scoring 12 touchdowns in 2011.

Jones would be giving the Cowboys a legitimate combination of size, athleticism and the ability to break tackles after the catch. He could help the Cowboys move the chains as a possession-type receiver and could also be effective by attacking zone coverages while also utilizing his size as an effective blocker.

The Cowboys would be getting a nice prospect with a high ceiling if they were to select Jones. Like most rookies looking to learn the nuances of the NFL game, Jones could contribute right away as he fine tunes his game.

Round Prediction: 3-4

T.Y. Hilton, Florida International

A very similar player to Joe Adams, both in size and ability, Hilton had a record-breaking career at FIU. Hilton is the very definition of versatility as he excelled as a receiver, punt returner, kickoff returner and all-around playmaker.

Hilton would give the Cowboys an equally dangerous weapon as Adams would give them and he may even have a better skill set. I went back and watched some of his 2011 footage to find that the coaches lined him up anywhere they could get the ball in his hands. He was used in the Wildcat formation, he lined up out wide, in the slot and was brought in motion while also being a pesky blocker for his size.

With a player like Hilton, the Cowboys could be getting a tremendous value at the midway point of the draft. After receiving an additional compensatory fourth-round pick, the Cowboys could parlay a player like Hilton into huge dividends. If Jerry Jones is looking to add a playmaker and another weapon for Tony Romo then Hilton is worth the look. With wide receiver now looking like a position of need, I'd say he's worth a full gander.

Round Prediction: 4

Eric Page, Toledo

After watching a number of MAAC games this past season, Eric Page is a player that gets your attention. Built similar to Joe Adams at 5'10" and 188 pounds, Page's productivity is what stands out. He caught 125 passes in 2011 and was a finalist for the Paul Hornung Award, which is awarded to the nation's most versatile performer. He was also first-team All-MAAC at three positions—receiver, kick returner and punt returner.

Like Hilton and Adams, Page also excels in the return game which is a big bonus. If the Cowboys are going to look at options for replacing Robinson and creating competition at the receiver position, I feel that versatility and productivity should heavily influence their decision-making process. Page would provide the Cowboys with both qualities and also help strengthen the receiving corps with big-play ability.

Round Prediction: 6

Tommy Streeter, Miami

After highlighting some compact and versatile options like Adams, Hilton and Page and a bigger, more physical type receiver like Dwight Jones, it's now time to look at a potential late-bloomer with huge upside.

Tommy Streeter, who stands 6'5" and 215 pounds, is a player who had six combined receptions in his first two seasons at Miami. But in 2011 he responded with 46 catches, 811 yards and eight touchdowns. After foregoing his senior season, Streeter looks to bring his blazing speed and freakish athletic ability to the NFL. With Miles Austin and Dez Bryant locked in as the starters, this could be a player that can intrigue Jerry Jones strictly off athletic ability.

The Cowboys wouldn't have to rush his development and can integrate him into the offense more as the season progresses. His measurables and upside are very hard to ignore but Streeter is still a raw talent. Some could argue that with his production in 2011 after two quiet seasons that his best football is yet to come.   

Round Prediction: 5-6

For the Cowboys, the difference between 8-8 and 12-4 came as a result of not making that one extra play. By adding a different dimension to the offense it could also provide this team with a player capable of making that one crucial play. Sometimes it's the difference in one game but other times it could be the difference in the whole season.