As the Dallas Cowboys were on the clock with the 17th overall pick, it was clear there would be a player on their board that they felt strongly about selecting. After the Atlanta Falcons took cornerback AJ Terrell, the Cowboys had there guy in K’lavon Chassion, a young athletic versatile pass rusher that was not only worthy of the pick but also fit a need.

However, after the Las Vegas Raiders selected Henry Ruggs at No. 13 and the Denver Broncos selected Jerry Jeudy two pick later, it was evident they would have a decision to make. They chose wisely, selecting a Day 1 blue-chip prospect in WR Ceedee Lamb.

Lamb, a consensus top-two receiver in this class adds an exciting and dangerous element to this Cowboys receiving corps, giving them an excellent catch-and-run player with elite ball skills and flexibility to line up on the outside and the inside; something that was important to this coaching staff. He can dominate on all three levels of the defense. There’s certainly an argument to be made the Cowboys have the best trio of receivers on any one roster in the NFL.

Here is what some of the experts thought about Lamb coming into the draft.

Dane Brugler The Athletic

WR Rank: 1

9th Overall

Scouting Report

Lamb has quick hands and feet to give defenders the slip before and after the catch, showcasing the football IQ and athleticism that allows him to find open space downfield. There is a backyard football element to his game and added refinement is needed, but his natural feel for creating after the catch is what he does best, showing multiple gears, vision and toughness to force missed tackles. Overall, Lamb is a balanced athlete with the body fluidity of a much small player and the ball skills and competitive nature of a much bigger player, projecting as a high-ceiling NFL starter due to his playmaking instincts.

Kyle Crabbs The Draft Network

WR Rank: 1

5th Overall

Scouting Report

CeeDee Lamb projects as an alpha WR in the NFL. No, he doesn’t have elite top end speed, but Lamb checks damn near every other possible box. He’s smooth with his feet, possesses elite body control, vacuum hands and is a dynamic, angry runner after the catch. Experienced in manufactured touches, boundary and slot work, Lamb should step into an offense and be comfortable filling any possible role than a coach could give him. A top-shelf WR prospect and impact starter early on.

Lance Zierlein NFL.com

Prospect Grade: 6.81- Year one quality starter

Scouting Report

Explosive, three-level playmaker and vital cog in one of the most potent offensive machines in college football over the last three seasons. Lamb uses speed and separation quickness to dominate competition in a scheme that frequently created open throws in space. His routes will need to become more efficient and crisp to beat man-to-man coverage against NFL size and speed, but his ball skills and explosiveness with the ball in his hand should allow teams to scheme him into explosive opportunities right away. Lamb has the potential to play any of the three receiver positions as a pro and should benefit greatly from the NFL’s continued movement toward college-style passing attacks.

Bob Sturm The Athletic

Grade: High first round

Scouting Report

Positives: I do think the biggest positive about CeeDee is, in fact, it didn’t matter who was throwing him the ball or how defenses tried to take him out of the game. He was a productive wide receiver from the moment he arrived in Norman and pretty much never slowed down. To amass over 3,200 yards and 32 touchdowns in three seasons says all you need to know. But on tape it is clear that his ball skills are elite, and he absolutely attacks the ball and then the defense with a confidence level you admire. He is so strong for his size, something that can be seen often as defenses try to corral him and contain him from another big play. He has jet sweep and swing pass ability, but he is just so scary in space. Sometimes, as Texas will confirm, he just cannot be tackled. He has nitro, too. Lots of nitro. His hips and sharpness are really impressive. Concerns: There are a few concerns that normally go with being a Big 12 wide receiver, and the most important one is that he always was given free releases, as almost nobody challenges receivers with press coverage at that level. Of course, he may have the answer to that question, but it is obviously unknown. Also, I did see the ball come loose a bit with ball security when he is fighting for every yard, and nothing can turn a coaching staff off quite like carelessness with the ball. Nothing major, mind you, but a few rough edges.

Matt Waldman Rookie Scouting Portfolio

Grade: Franchise Player-Should start this year and compete for a role as a leading producer in the passing game.

WR Rank: 1

Scouting Report

Lamb can play all three positions, but placing him in the slot would allow him to earn mismatches with safeties in the deep game or force a cornerback inside where Lamb will still feast on two-way opportunities. Lamb is also a physical blocker who punches, latches onto defensive backs, and turns them. His presence in the 11 personnel (3 WRs, 1 RB, and 1 TE) run game will be an asset. Lamb’s neither the biggest nor the fastest receiver in this class, but he excels as a route runner, a pass catcher, and in the open field with and without the ball in his hands.