Flournoy ready to open eyes at camp

(Editor’s note: In preparation for training camp, this series will feature 25 players who are new to the Cowboys roster, both rookies and veterans. We continue with Ryan Flournoy.)

How he got here: His path to the Cowboys’ receiver role is filled with challenges that he overcame, rising through the ranks from Central Missouri, then transferring to Iowa Western Community College to earn all-conference honors in his first season at Southeast Missouri State – where he started in 11 games and led the entire team with 984 receiving yards, receiving touchdowns (7) and receiving yards per game (89.5) (again, in his first year with the program).

His 4.44-second 40-yard dash only further illustrates his athleticism, as do his 39 ½” vertical (89th percentile), 132″ broad jump (94th percentile) and 19 bench reps (83rd percentile) indicating that he is not only quick and quick, but he has considerable strength in his 6-foot-1, 202-pound frame. Flournoy absolutely destroyed the NFL Combine testing.

And after:When the Cowboys took the sixth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they still didn’t have any starting talent to challenge the depth chart at wide receiver. Flournoy is a big, physical receiver whose goal is to often out-power and out-jump defensive backs to make phenomenal contested catches. He’s literally one of the best athletes in the entire draft class (not just Dallas), and his 9.88 rating on the 1-10 Relative Athleticism Scale proves it.

He’s strong, fast, quick, and has the wingspan and catch radius to give CBs nightmares – often able to out-strike defensive backs in strength and leaps to make phenomenal contested catches. One of the best athletes in the entire draft class (not just Dallas), his 9.88 rating on the 1-10 Relative Athleticism Scale proves it, and the battle for the WR3 and WR4 role is where he’ll be aiming.

Did you know?:In a regular-season game against Tennessee Tech in 2023, Flournoy recorded a career-high 203 receiving yards, thanks in large part to an 89-yard touchdown reception, the longest of his career.

Quotable: “I pay attention to everybody. A lot of people say I play like Dez Bryant. For current players, I think either DJ Moore or Ja’Marr Chase. There’s a lot of good receivers in the NFL, and I’m looking forward to learning from them.” – Ryan Flournoy