Bowick’s Decision to Become a Cowboy Paying Off as He Creeps into NFL Draft Conversation, Biletnikoff Watchlist

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STILLWATER — Receiver Justin Bowick chose the Cowboys this offseason because he believed Eric Morris and Drew Mestemaker would help him have explosive games.

“Everything that I’ve done so far in this offense is a big reason why I came here,” Bowick said after the win over Colorado on Oct. 24.

That was a five-catch, 138-yard, plus-a-touchdown performance that is increasingly becoming commonplace for Bowick, who hasn’t slowed down since, hauling in seven receptions for 124 yards and two scores at Iowa State.

Bowick’s impact hasn’t gone unnoticed as he was named to the Biletnikoff Award watchlist on Thursday, which currently lists 77 names, including teammate Wyatt Young. The award given to the best receiver will narrow down its list to semifinalists announced on Nov. 16.

“One of the reasons I left was to put myself out there and tape that I felt like I didn’t show last year,” Bowick said on Oct. 24. “And I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job of that so far.”

Bowick is currently tied for fifth nationally with nine receiving touchdowns. He also ranks 19th in receiving yards (731) and 32nd in yards per reception (17.8).

According to PFF, Bowick has hauled in 8-of-17 contested targets this season and has only one drop in the entire season.

“Just catching a lot,” Bowick said on Tuesday when asked about some of the strong catches he’s made this season. “I do the jugs before practice, Monarc later in the day, just again like 200-something balls, 200-something catches a day. And just grip strength like rice bucket and stuff like that so I feel really good about my hands.”

One of Bowick’s favorite plays of the year came last week when he hauled in a 41-yard touchdown that required him to absolutely embarrass the defender in the end zone on what should have been a tough catch, but looked so very clean.

Justin Bowick just went and got that. Absolute filthy catch in the end zone — QB put it on a dime and he brought it in under pressure. OSU still fighting. 🔥 https://t.co/z9glHcF5uq

— The Extra Point (@ExtraPointCFB1) November 1, 2026

“Just to watch the work that he’s put in even today in practice during special teams, I mean, he’s the only one by himself catching jugs, working one-handed stuff, strength with a guy draped on him,” Morris said. “And so I think always satisfying for a coach when you see a kid and the lights come on.

“I wasn’t that confident in him probably after the spring, so to see the determination, the grit, the work he puts in and see it come to life for the kid out there, his mom is a great person too. So I think you recruit these kids, and I don’t want to say you sell them a pipe dream, but you show them this vision that you have for him, and it’s going to take a lot of dedication and hard work on his part, and it comes to fruition. Those are the fun things to be a part of.”

In a back-and-forth conversation between ESPN’s Mel Kiper and Jordan Reid, the two briefly mention Bowick on Thursday. Kiper grades him as a third-rounder, while Reid has him as a fourth-rounder who could go higher.

“It’s like watching a baseball prospect move from A-ball to Double-A, Triple-A and then the majors,” Kiper says, recapping Bowick’s journey through the transfer portal. “He caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns against Iowa State. Bowick thrives in tight coverage, and he’s physical over the middle at 6-5 and 209 pounds. He has dependable hands and has averaged 17.8 yards per catch on the season. Plus, he makes an impact as a blocker.”

Bowick said he hasn’t seen his name mentioned in connection with mock drafts yet, but some people have shared that stuff with him.

As far as the NFL is concerned, Bowick said he just knew this year was his last chance to prove himself.

“I feel like I really locked in over the summer,” Bowick said. “The biggest thing, I didn’t wanna look back. I wanted to put in as much work over the offseason, as much as I could, so I could have a successful season.”