(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 Indiana receiver Cody Latimer).
Name:Cody Latimer
Position:Wide Receiver
College: Indiana
Height/Weight:6-3 / 215
Age:21
Honors: Latimer was a second-team All-Big Ten pick in 2013 and was on the Biletnikoff Award watch list. He finished school as Indiana's seventh-most productive receiver in school history with 135 career catches for 2,042 yards. He caught at least one pass in all 32 games he played.
Key stat:Latimer had a three-game stretch against Bowling Green, Missouri and Penn State when he caught 23 passes for 413 yards and two touchdowns. He also had a huge game against Illinois, catching 11 passes for 189 yards and three scores.
Where He's Projected:Latimer has been darting up the draft boards here of late. Once considered a Day 3 prospect, he's now a solid Day 2 player, possibly going high in the second round. The combination of his size and speed makes him an attractive player, one who could step in immediately as a team's No. 2 or No. 3 receiver.
How He Helps the Cowboys:If added to the Cowboys, Latimer would be yet another, fast and big receiver to a group that has Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams. The Cowboys need some depth at the receiver position, especially with height, considering Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley are currently projected as the third and fourth receiver. [embedded_ad]
Scout's Take: Is one of those players that when you turned on the Indiana game tape, you didn't have to ask where he was or what his number is. Will really jump out at you. Will take his routes all over the field. There is no doubt in my mind that he can line up at X, Z and slot giving you several options in the scheme. Latimer shows outstanding initial quickness and a burst. Is physical against corner backs coming off the ball. Hands appear very natural. Can snatch the ball on the move. Can catch in the open field and while be contested. Like many of the receivers in this draft, his quarterback was awful and you will see him have to adjust to passes all day. Is a hard player to get the ball from because of his size. Will use his size to his advantage when he goes inside to grab the ball. Outstanding with his run after the catch. Will take the ball and get North-South in a hurry. Has some juice in the way he attacks the defense. Can separation. There are plenty of snaps where you see him getting away from the corner. There is a smoothness to his game. Not any wasted motion or movement in his routes. Has the awareness to get his feet down along the sideline. Looks very balanced and coordinated in the way he plays. Will high point catch the ball. Will go after it. Will leave his feet to grab the ball. Hasn't played much football in his career. Was a four time state champion basketball player in Dayton, Ohio, so you can see that he has athletic ability. In comparison to the other top receivers in this draft, he needs to be in the discussion. Despite that lack of experience, he has some serious traits that will grab your attention. Feel that he is a play maker that plays with toughness and that is rare in some of these two sport athletes.
Bryan Broaddus
