MHS G.O.A.T. a ‘rookie sleeper’ in NFL draft

Maricopa High School legend Jacob Cowing is a projected mid-round pick in the 2024 NFL draft kicking off tonight in Detroit. It’s predicted he’ll hear his name called tomorrow or Saturday.

At MHS, Cowing was one of Arizona’s top prep receivers. He caught 89 passes for 2,065 yards and 21 touchdowns during his high school career to solidify himself as the most prolific gridiron Ram all-time.

As a 2-star, mid-major recruit at the University of Texas El Paso, Cowing earned the Power Five nod and carried out his eligibility closer to home at the University of Arizona, redefining himself from a vertical receiver to an underneath yards-after-the-catch earner.

Topping out at 21st overall amid his senior campaign, Cowing fumbled the chance to bolster his stock when an injury snuffed his Senior Bowl ambitions. Undrafted free agency is still the unlikely option for the undersized yet explosive Wildcat, most recently projected a third rounder in a Steelers Wire mock Sunday.

NFL Mock Draft Database projects Round 4, while Bleacher Report eyes Round 5, likening the scrappy burner to Pittsburgh WR and return specialist Calvin Austin.

FantasyPros yesterday pegged No. 2 among a trio of “rookie draft sleepers” who could generate value like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Darnell Mooney and Gabriel Davis did in breakout freshman seasons.

At 5-foot-9, the 23-year-old’s struggles with separation and off-form hit rate on the 50-50 ball are offset by his agility and refined route-running. Cowing led his NCAA receiving class in unique routes run, according to Sports Info Solutions. His dual-role potential on the special teams side of the ball is another upside.

Cowing’s combine drills yielded 30-some-odd percentiles in the broad jump, three-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle — but at 168 pounds, his experience and long route wheels could make him an attractive option for the Washington Commanders under OC Kliff Kingsbury, “who is notorious for loving shorter WRs,” FantasyPros observes.

NFL Mock Draft Database pointed to the Steelers and Browns as conceivable landing spots.