Arizona wide receiver Jacob Cowing is a quick-footed and twitchy playmaker in the 2024 NFL Draft. Cowing is a pro-ready product as a route-runner. The former UTEP transfer creates easy separation in the passing game with advanced stop-start quickness and explosive footwork.
Cowing has aced the pre-draft process thus far, shining at both the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl. Speed was on display through Cowing’s 4.38 40.
Cowing recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his experience at this year’s NFL Combine, offered feedback on his performance, the art of route-running, and more. Cowing’s explosiveness is going to add an immediate pass-catching threat to an NFL offense.
JM: You absolutely crushed the NFL Combine. You ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash with a 1.54 10-yard split. You had a 36-inch vertical as well. How would you grade your overall performance?
Jacob Cowing: If I had to grade my own NFL Combine performance, I would probably say that it went well (laughs). I would probably go with a solid B or a B+. I think I showcased a lot of athletic ability out there. I probably surprised some people who didn’t think I was capable of that.
Overall, it was a great day for me. I looked smooth running routes. I ran a good 40 and jumped a high vertical. I think I could have done better in the broad jump though. At the end of the day, it was a very productive performance for me.
JM: As impressed as I was with your athletic testing, I was even more impressed with you throughout position drills. You arguably ran the best gauntlet, where your stop-start quickness and explosive footwork were on display. Do you feel that drill is a better indicator of pro success than anything else you did in Indy?
Jacob Cowing: I would definitely say that drill shows how fast you can track the ball and catch it in the open field. That drill is all about spatial awareness and your ability to track where the ball is coming from.
There are a lot of moving pieces during a game. You have to track the ball with confidence. The gauntlet does a great job showcasing that. It also exposes which receivers need to get better at it. I think the gauntlet is a great drill for sure.
JM: You put together two incredible seasons at Arizona, totaling 175 receptions for 1,882 yards and 20 touchdowns. How do you look back on the decision to transfer to Arizona from UTEP?
Jacob Cowing: I don’t have any regrets over that decision. Not at all. I had a fun time these past two seasons at Arizona. I built a great relationship with the coaching staff and my teammates. Experiencing these final two years of my collegiate career was amazing. Overall, I don’t have any regrets. I loved each and every moment, each and every single day there. That’s all I can say about that.
JM: You’re one of the best route runners in the class. What are some things you do to work on that aspect of your game?
Jacob Cowing: I love to do sand workouts. That plays a big role in my ability as a route-runner. I think those sand workouts are the reason behind my excellent change of direction. I can change and contort my body as needed when running routes.
I get my feet in certain places that allow me to come out of my breaks with ease. Those sandpit workouts translate to the field in that regard. It leads to on-field explosion for me. If I can be quick in the sand, I can definitely be quick on the field.That’s one thing I use to improve as a route-running technician. I’m always working on getting my hips lower as well. Feet placement is a big one too. I can always continue to get better with my feet. That’s how you create separation.
JM: Does Jacob Cowing have a favorite route to run?
Jacob Cowing: I would probably say a post-corner or a choice route. I like those a lot. Those are probably my top two routes. With that post-corner, I can threaten you vertically. They think I’m trying to take the top off. Being able to sell the post, they’re going to overplay it. That’s when I snap across underneath them for a big 25-yard play, or maybe even an explosive touchdown.
With that choice route, I can break inside, outside, or I can sit it down. There are so many different things I can do with a good choice route. That opens up my game a little bit more. If it’s man coverage, it’s difficult for the defensive back to understand what my intentions are. They have a tough time deciphering where I’m planning to go.
JM: Are there any receivers that you love to study and watch on tape?
Jacob Cowing: It was Tyler Lockett growing up. I’ve watched him a lot. I watched a lot of Zay Flowers and Tank Dell this past season as well. We have similar body structures. I identify some things I like about their game and add it to my toolbox. I’m just perfecting that at this time.
JM: Speaking of stature, do you approach bigger cornerbacks in coverage differently than you do smaller, shiftier ones?
Jacob Cowing: Yeah, I do. I’ve faced a lot more taller cornerbacks due to my size throughout my career. With that said, I have to use my play strength to my advantage and apply it to going up against a defensive back. I have to go out there and be a playmaker no matter what. That’s my mindset. I love going out there and playing ball.
JM: With the NFL Combine now in our rearview mirror, do you have any Top 30 visits coming up?
Jacob Cowing: I met with all 32 teams between the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. All of my meetings went really well. I had a lot of great opportunities to explain who I am as a person. I got to know those scouts as well.
At the end of the day, I really enjoyed talking about football in those meetings. At this point, teams will draft whoever best suits their needs and what they’re looking for from a receiver standpoint. I had some great meetings. We’ll see what happens from here on out.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. If people are going to say something negative about Jacob Cowing, they always mention your size. You’ve been proving people wrong your entire life. How do you typically respond to the size questions?
Jacob Cowing: I would tell people to just come out and enjoy the show (laughs). Watch what I can do. Size doesn’t matter. If you can produce numbers at the end of the day, you can produce. It doesn’t matter how tall, short, fast, or slow you are.
If you can produce, you can produce. Just cut on my film and see for yourself. Those people can let me know what they think at the end of it. That’s all I have to say about that.
JM: I love that. We saw what kinda year Zay Flowers and Tank Dell had at a similar size to you. This has been an incredible conversation. It’s easy to see why you’re one of the best wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ve appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Jacob Cowing going to make at the next level?
Jacob Cowing: I’m going to be an explosive playmaker at the next level. I’m somebody that knows how to get the ball in their hands and make plays. I’m a deep threat. I make plays underneath the coverage as well. It doesn’t matter. I make plays anywhere on the field.
I’m trying to contribute on special teams as well as a punt returner. I plan on taking a few punt returns back to the house.
