Dez Bryant sees higher ceiling for Oklahoma State WR Justin Bowick after Mel Kiper's NFL Draft evaluation

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Bowick is gaining national attention ahead of the 2027 NFL Draft, and one of the Cowboys' most recognizable former stars believes his potential could be even greater than his current projection.

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. recently placed Bowick in the third-round conversation following another impressive performance against Iowa State. However, former Oklahoma State standout and Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant believes Bowick has the potential to continue climbing draft boards as the season progresses.

Bryant responded to Kiper's evaluation on X, questioning whether the third round accurately reflects Bowick's potential. While expressing respect for Kiper's analysis, Bryant suggested the Oklahoma State receiver could continue improving his draft stock.

"I think his ceiling will keep rising as the season progresses," Bryant wrote. "He's a big play waiting to happen."

The endorsement carries significance coming from Bryant, one of Oklahoma State's most accomplished former receivers. Bryant starred in Stillwater before becoming a first-round NFL Draft selection in 2010 and developing into a three-time Pro Bowl receiver with the Dallas Cowboys. Now, he's watching another big-bodied Oklahoma State receiver attract attention from NFL evaluators.

Kiper highlighted Bowick in ESPN's latest examination of potential 2027 NFL Draft prospects, praising the receiver's combination of size, physicality and reliability. At 6-foot-5 and 209 pounds, Bowick presents a difficult matchup for opposing defensive backs, particularly in contested-catch situations.

Kiper also praised his ability to work across the middle of the field and contribute as a blocker. The evaluation followed Bowick's performance in Oklahoma State's 51–49 loss to Iowa State. Bowick caught seven passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns, averaging nearly 18 yards per reception.

For the season, Bowick is averaging 17.8 yards per catch, demonstrating his ability to generate explosive plays in the Cowboys' passing attack. Kiper's assessment places Bowick among potential Day 2 selections, although the evaluation remains preliminary with several games remaining in the college football season.

Bowick's emergence has followed a winding college football journey. The receiver began his career at Eastern Illinois, spending the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Panthers before transferring to Ball State in 2024. He continued his career at Illinois in 2025 before arriving at Oklahoma State for the 2026 season.

Kiper compared that progression to a baseball prospect climbing through the minor leagues before reaching the majors. Now competing in the Big 12, Bowick has taken advantage of his opportunity to showcase his abilities against Power Four competition.

His connection with Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker has become an important part of the Cowboys' offensive production. The combination of Bowick's size and Mestemaker's passing ability has helped create opportunities downfield, particularly when the receiver is matched against smaller defensive backs.

Bowick's performance against Iowa State provided another example of the production attracting attention from NFL analysts. While Kiper currently views him as a potential third-round selection, Bryant's response suggests the former Cowboys star believes there is additional room for Bowick to improve his standing.

With Oklahoma State preparing for Saturday's road matchup against Kansas State, Bowick will have another opportunity to strengthen his NFL Draft résumé.  The Cowboys enter the contest at 5–3 overall and 3–2 in Big 12 play, needing one more victory to become bowl eligible.

For Bowick, the remaining schedule presents an opportunity to continue producing against Big 12 competition while building on the national recognition he has already received. And with both Kiper and Bryant discussing his NFL future, Bowick's draft stock has become another storyline worth following as Oklahoma State approaches the final stretch of its season.