Tag: Cowboys 53-man roster

Ryan Flournoy goes from rookie long shot to legit Cowboys WR

Ryan Flournoy has shocked many and made the Cowboys roster but what’s next for the promising WR? | From @ReidDHanson

When the Cowboys selected Ryan Flournoy in the sixth round of the 2024 NFL draft, fans weren’t sure what to think. Flournoy, a largely unknown prospect from tiny Southeast Missouri State, wasn’t a household name to even those in the draft community.

Flournoy was just the 16th SEMO player ever taken in the NFL draft. His film was nearly impossible to find and draft profiles across the interwebs were about as scarce as a vegan in a butcher shop. If it wasn’t for an invite to the annual Senior Bowl, Flournoy probably wouldn’t have heard his name called on draft day at all.

That Senior Bowl appearance provided just the platform for this obscure WR prospect to showcase his talents. Flournoy’s testing numbers were off the charts, earning a top RAS (relative athletic score) and a place on Bruce Feldman’s infamous Freaks List.

Described by Dane Brugler as someone who “excelled against inferior competition,” many questioned whether Flournoy would have what it takes to survive in the NFL. His route running was undeveloped and his ability to separate was pedestrian.

What couldn’t be denied were his raw skills and effort. Flournoy worked harder than others and possessed an innate skill to adjust to the ball and win in contested situations. His ability to gain yards after the catch made him a big play weapon on short passes and long balls alike.

Over his final two seasons at SEMO, Flournoy posted 118 receptions for 1,823 yards and 13 touchdowns. Against two FBS opponents, he gained 13 receptions for 152 yards, somewhat legitimizing his success as an NFL prospect.

“I went D2 out of high school then I walked on to a junior college and then blessed to play D1,” said Flournoy. “Each time I bet on myself. I always had goals and dreams and aspirations of getting to the NFL.”

It’s understandable few fans or draftniks expected Flournoy to make the Cowboys roster in 2024. Flournoy’s technical skillset was raw, and his knowledge of the route tree was limited. Even with the unsettled nature of the WR position in Dallas, Flournoy was more longshot and developmental prosect than legitimate roster challenger as a rookie.

But after missing time early in camp because of injury, Flournoy came on strong for Dallas down the stretch.

The rookie flashed in practices as well as in games. He was a willing blocker and showed an instant grasp for the NFL game. The project wasn’t so “project-y” after all.

At 6-foot-1, 202-pounds, Flournoy fits the size profile as an outside NFL receiver. His willingness for contact, abnormal upper body strength and 4.44 speed make him an ideal option at the difficult-to-fill X spot. Flournoy isn’t just a cute project player to talk about over the offseason and preseason but rather a real option on the roster with a ceiling that’s truly starting quality.

“Just me versus me, that’s the mindset I have going in,” said Flournoy of training camp. “Everything I set out to do is going to be accomplished.”

As things stand today, Flournoy appears to be the last WR on the Cowboys depth chart. While that may seem like small potatoes to an outsider, it’s a tremendous accomplishment to anyone who’s been tracking the battle at WR this summer for Dallas.

This zero-star high school recruit, junior college transfer, unheralded draft prospect from a fairly obscure football program has just made the Dallas “friggin” Cowboys as a 25-year-old rookie. He excelled in a fiercely competitive field of challengers and looks well-equipped to rise to the next challenge, whatever it may be.

“Me getting here is not just a destination, it’s still part of the journey,” said Flournoy after being drafted. “I have goals of being in the Hall of Fame. Just every step of the way has been a footnote.”

Footnote or foothold, Flournoy has been successfully climbing the ladder long before he had a star on his helmet. The sky is the limit for this rookie prospect as he looks to take the next enormous step in his already wild football career.

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