An ESPN insider believes that the Dallas Cowboys will release a promising weapon despite Mike McCarthy’s recent statements.
Dallas hasn’t lost much in terms numbers despite the speculation surrounding Cedrick Wilson Jr. and Amari Cooper’s departures. From a numbers perspective, the arrival of Jalen Tolbert in the third round 2022 NFL draft and James Washington in free agency have basically offset the losses.
But, it’s another matter to match the production of Cooper and Wilson. Simi Fehoko, a Cowboys player who could assist with this task, is returning. Fehoko received positive feedback from staff and media this week. However, ESPN reporter Todd Archer now predicts that Dallas will cut Fehoko before the final 53-man roster.
These are the six receivers Archer predicts will be on the final roster:
CeeDeeLamb
Michael Gallup
James Washington
Jalen Tolbert
Noah Brown
T.J. Vasher
Archer didn’t mention Fehoko when he addressed the last spot, which Vasher gave him. He thinks Vasher is in competition with Dennis Houston.
Archer wrote that Vacher had “some eye-popping moments” in spring. “But, the final spot could be down to special teams which could give undrafted Dennis Houston an opportunity.”
This is an interesting prediction, especially when you consider recent comments by McCarthy and Fehoko.
Fehoko played only two seasons at Stanford, but he made an impact as a wide receiver. Although the receiver at 6’4″ was able use his high-point abilities and size to great effect, he only played for two years.
Fehoko accumulated 1140 receiving yards over that time span and scored nine touchdowns. His yards per catch is the most striking stat. According to Sports Reference, Fehoko averaged 18.5 yards per catch in college.
The Cowboys selected Fehoko in the fifth round in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was primarily used as a special team player, although he did make five field appearances during this season.
Fehoko played only 55 snaps, and did not register a catch. He is still considered a talented, young player but he didn’t make any impact on his rookie year. This plays into Archer’s ESPN roster prediction.
OTAs are the most important piece of evidence that points against Archer’s prediction. Fehoko snapped first-team photos during the first stretch of optional practice according to Football Talk.
McCarthy and Fehoko also shared information about why he was taking those photos.
McCarthy said to Fehoko, “Potentially this year, you gain some weight and we can use your body as more like a tight hybrid end-receiver type body.”
Fehoko also stated to media that he expected to play a larger role in the offseason. Although it’s unclear what exactly that role will look like for Fehoko, he seems optimistic.
“I’ll have a bigger role, I’d say, in the offense and in special teams… I have no problem… Obviously gaining weight and playing at a higher weight isn’t a problem.”
Fehoko’s chances of the 53 man roster are better if he can be a hybrid option or at least separate himself from the rest.