Dallas Cowboys: Five options for first round of 2018 NFL Draft

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Da'Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 08: Da'Ron Payne #94 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts to a play during the second quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 8, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
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The Dallas Cowboys have reached a turning point with franchise wide receiver Dez Bryant. Bryant is still one of the best red zone threats in the NFL, but he hasn’t produced at least 80 receptions or 1,000 yards since 2014.

Whether or not the Cowboys retain Bryant’s services for the 2018 campaign, drafting a wide receiver in Round 1 should at least be considered.

The odds of Calvin Ridley falling to No. 19 overall are slim, but if he’s there, this should be the pick. Ridley is the best wide receiver prospect in the 2018 NFL Draft, and with all due respect to the other options, I’m not entirely sure there’s a debate worth having.

Ridley’s college production may not blow you away, but he’s the perfect fit for Dallas in that he knows how to make his mark in a run-heavy offense.

Ridley has the speed and long strides to make an immediate impact at all three levels. He has great hands on the move, as well as the fundamental polish to misdirect safeties and shake off cornerbacks without the need for physicality.

Ridley needs to do a better job of handling contact, but for a Cowboys team that’s in desperate need of a No. 1 receiver, he makes undeniable sense.