Jacob Cowing Scouting Report

By: Michael Higgins

(Image courtesy of Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)

School: Arizona

Class: Senior

Position: Wide Receiver

HT: 5’8

WT: 168 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #64

Background: Jacob Cowing was an overlooked 2-star prospect from Maricopa, Arizona. He was not ranked as a top 400 wide receiver in his class and he was lightly recruited. He played for Maricopa High School where he was able to at least get those 2 stars. He had a productive yet uninspiring high school resume that prevented him from gaining any more attention than what he got. The only Division I program that took Cowing’s recruitment seriously seemed to be UTEP.

College: Cowing committed to UTEP and made an immediate impact. Cowling played three full seasons for UTEP, leading them in receiving yards in every season. In 2020, Cowling earned 2nd Team All-Conference USA. The following season, he earned first team honors. After these productive seasons torching C-USA secondaries, Cowing transferred to Arizona with 2 years of eligibility remaining in order to perform on a bigger stage. Cowing started 12 games for Arizona in 2022. He led the PAC 12 in receptions on the season and he was 4th in receiving yards. Cowing started 12 games for the Wildcats in 2023, which was a much improved year for the offense. He was a Pac 12 honorable mention selection and participated in the Senior Bowl.

Strengths: Cowing is a quick twitch receiver with a diverse route tree. He is one of the better route runners in the draft class. He does not telegraph his routes and does not shuffle his feet at the top of the route. While he is not especially big for a wide receiver, he is on the stronger side, pound for pound. This allows for him to play in the slot or on the perimeter as an X receiver. Jacob has reliable hands and displays flawless technique throughout the catch-making process. Cowing is an excellent route runner, but he is most dangerous with the ball in his hands. His ability to improvise and find open space in the middle of the field is elite. He also has the speed to burn guys to the outside and get to the perimeter, where nobody can catch him.

Weaknesses: Cowing’s main downside is his size. He is a lighter player and has shorter measurements. He has small hands and short arms, making for a small catch radius. If he wants to get any consistent reps on the perimeter, he will need to add some muscle.

Scheme Fit: Quick Passing Game

Ideal Role: Slot Receiver

Best Team Fits: KC, LV, JAX

Player Comparison: Darnell Mooney

Player Grade: 81.3