Jacob Cowing, WR Arizona: Offseason 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Cowing was a two-star recruit from Maricopa High School in Maricopa, Ariz. in the class of 2019

The Pac-12 might be losing teams in the coming season, but the conference received a talent injection through the transfer portal this summer. One of the conference’s brightest new additions is slot receiver Jacob Cowing, who spent the past few years re-writing record books at UTEP. Let’s take a deep dive into Cowing’s 2023 NFL Draft profile.

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Jacob Cowing, WR Arizona: 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Classification: Redshirt junior slot receiver from Maricopa, Ariz.

Background: Cowing was a two-star recruit from Maricopa High School in Maricopa, Ariz. in the class of 2019. He was the No. 3,692 recruit according to 247Sports. Cowing was an unranked two-star recruit for Rivals and an unranked recruit for ESPN with no grade or star rating. He did not have a recruiting profile for On3.com. Cowing’s high school career totals include 89 receptions for 2,065 yards and 21 touchdowns. He recorded 28 receptions for 872 yards and ten touchdowns as a senior and 50 receptions for 1,081 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior. Cowing transferred from UTEP to Arizona in 2022, receiving a five-star rating as a transfer on On3.com’s consensus board. He has a son (Chase Cowing) and two sisters.

2021 Production: 13 games, 69 receptions, 1,354 yards, 7 touchdowns

2020 Production: 8 games, 41 receptions, 691 yards, 3 touchdowns

2019 Production: 12 games 31 receptions, 550 yards, 3 touchdowns

Injuries & Off-Field: Exited the game against UTSA (2021) with a shoulder injury

Awards: 2020 Second-Team All-Conference USA, 2020 Conference USA Commissioner's Academic Honor Roll, 2021 First-Team All-Conference USA

Pros: Has some exposure to playing as an outside receiver, willing blocker who squares up to defensive backs, high points the football and goes up for it, slams on the accelerator for big YAC opportunities, healthy mix of schemed touches and real downfield production, acceleration and legitimate speed lead to big plays, threatens defenses vertically, secures receptions going to the ground, dynamic playmaker after the catch, natural separator, gets airborne and makes mid-air adjustments to the football, routes are usually defined and crisp

Cons: Drops are a consistent issue, slot-only option at the next level, he’s a significant negative in contested catch situations, small frame, shows no technique and limited upside as a blocker, rarely challenged with press coverage (slot role), won’t break many tackles at his size, contact can throw him off his routes, hasn’t faced much if any elite competition

Overview: Cowing is unofficially listed at 5'11", 170 lbs. The UTEP transfer is a weapon with the ball in his hands. He has instant access to an effective spin move and various cuts that usually leave defenders struggling to keep up. Cowing’s speed, athletic lower half, and acceleration mean he wins at all three levels of the field and is a threat to score at any time. He also puts on impressive aerial displays despite his size. He had an incredible near one-handed grab vs. New Mexico State (2021) and contorts his body mid-air to secure the ball. However, Cowing is limited by his small frame and will only succeed in the slot at the next level. It’s also hard to project how he’ll perform in the pros from film against Abilene Christian, New Mexico State, North Texas, Rice, etc. The best teams he faced in 2021 were Boise State, FAU, Fresno State, and UTSA.

Overall, Cowing is an intriguing dynamic slot receiver who should hear his name called early on Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft. Cowing left UTEP to face a higher level of competition at Arizona, which could bump him up to a late Day 2 grade if he maintains his elite production. However, the move also comes with risks if he fails to match his lofty 2021 performances.

Role & Scheme Fit: Slot receiver (Y) in an 11 personnel heavy scheme

Round Projection: Mid Fourth to Early Fifth

Player Comparison: N/A

Submitted: 07-10-22