Dallas Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: Josh Doctson Film Review

Sean Martin

Continuing my look at upcoming draft-eligible wide receivers, we pick up with Josh Doctson out of TCU. The 6′ 3″, 195 pound target went for 14 touchdowns this year and 1,327 yards – good for second in the nation.

While it’s easy to write off Doctson as a product of the high-flying TCU offense, as well as a product of playing in the BIG 12 – where defense is absolutely optional – the tape clearly shows that he has the chance to be something special.

With his college production, Doctson could be looking at a late first to second round selection. Two things I will be interested to see from him at the upcoming Combine will be his 40 speed and arm length.

Doctson does not possess the top-end burner speed that a lot of these spread WRs have, but makes up for it with a consistent balance of speed and physicality with the ball in the air.

Let’s get to the film:

Like I said, it’s not often you throw on the tape of a BIG 12 wideout and see him make catches like the above touchdown grab against Texas. Often times in this situation, as you’ll see later on, Doctson is able to run by the defender at the last second to free himself for a catch.

On this play the defender is able to engage and stay in position, but Docston still high-points the ball for six points.

While his route running ability leaves some small areas of improvement, I still find this to be one of his stronger traits. He is able to fluidly turn his hips within routes to set up defenders.

As mentioned, here is Doctson blowing past a defender at the end of his route to secure yet another touchdown.

When #9 Tony Romo is under pressure, he often can trust a desperation throw to #88 Dez Bryant. More often than not, when TCU quarterback Trevone Boykin was under pressure, he looked for #9.

While I think it will take Doctson a year or two to adjust to the next level, he has all the potential to become one of the deadlier #2 targets in the entire league. While this route could be slightly better, it’s still good enough to keep the defender guessing and create separation.

From there, Doctson does what he knows best – finds the end zone.

Boykin again comes under pressure on this pass in the red zone, and Doctson does not run his best slant-route. Still, Boykin gives him a chance to make a play, and Doctson does just that by securing a contested catch with great body control.

While he will need to improve against tight coverage, when given space, Doctson can take over a football game. Here he is running a comeback route that leads to another nice catch.

Here is another fade to Doctson, who makes an amazing adjustment on the ball and secures yet ANOTHER touchdown.

Lastly, for good measure, here’s Doctson going for six points one. more. time.

I walked away from Josh Doctson’s film not knowing totally how I felt about having him in Dallas. After giving it some more thought, I decided that I would have no issue if Doctson was in fact the team’s second round selection.

While he may not become a star right away, he could greatly benefit from Dallas already having play makers such as Dez Bryant, Cole Beasley, Terrance Williams and Brice Butler. Doctson would add even more speed to this group, with the ability to surprise defenses with his physical attributes.

Should Dallas not pursue a pass catcher with the fourth overall pick (Laquon Treadwell), Doctson could very well be their option to upgrade the #2 spot across from Dez Bryant.

[signoff author=”smartin” source=”ufr”]

6 thoughts on “Dallas Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft: Josh Doctson Film Review”

  1. Nice write-up on Doctson. Just on pure receiving ability, Docstson is a much more dynamic receiver than the more highly-touted Treadwell. I think Doctson (unless he turns in an awful Combine performance) will go somewhere in the backend of the 1st round. Hopefully, the Cowboys can find a way to nab him; perfect #2 alongside Dez.

  2. I'm not sold that he'll be a first round pick, but a team could easily fall in love with him. You're right about him being a nice compliment to Dez.


  4. RJ Ochoa

    [emoji7]

    Sent from my iPhone using Pigskin Hub – Pro Football Forums mobile app

    Is this going to become a recurring thing haha?

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