Though the Dallas Cowboys will most likely spend most of their draft capital on the defensive side of the ball, wide receiver may quickly become a need after the Free Agency period. With both Terrance Williams and Brice Butler ready to test their value on the open market, the Cowboys will need to add another wide-out through the 2017 NFL Draft.
California’s wide receiver Chad Hansen could be that player.
After transferring from Idaho State, Hansen finally got his chance to play full time for the Cal Bears in 2016. With the opportunity came great production, as Hansen finished with 92 catches for 1249 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Over at Slant Sports I released a scouting report on Hansen, giving him a second round grade. Standing at 6’2″ and 190 pounds, Hansen has the prototypical wide-receiver-two size for the Cowboys.
Hansen is a smooth route runner who gets in and out of breaks effortlessly. When he wins, he does so with quick feet and fluid hips to beat the corner off the line of scrimmage with his first step and shake. He is explosive off the line of scrimmage as well, to help him beat corners right off the snap of the ball.
Once Hansen gets off the ball, he has no problems tracking the football in the air or high pointing the football to make contested catches. While he isn’t a huge receiver, he tends to play bigger than he is in traffic. He has no fears about going over the middle, and is a savvy route runner who shields and stacks defensive backs nicely.
Not only does he have a good pair of hands, but he is able to high point the ball and utilize body control to maintain leverage in the air. Then, as he comes to the ground, Hansen is able to stay strong with his hands, maintain possession, and get his feet in bounds.
Once the ball is in Hansen’s hands, he is a dangerous player. Making defenders miss and accelerating down field, Hansen produced yards after the catch constantly at Cal.
Chad Hansen’s fit in Dallas is clear. With Dez Bryant on one side and Cole Beasley in the slot, Hansen would be the perfect WR2 to bring production both down the field and on underneath throws.
It is more than likely that Hansen will be available when the Cowboys are set to pick in the second round. While some value him as an early Day Two selection, I have a feeling Hansen could fall to 60th overall or beyond, especially in this deep wide receiver class.
If so, I would have no issue whatsoever with the Cowboys drafting Chad Hansen to be their number two wide receiver of the future.
