Blogging The Boys

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z5-P9v3F8w&ob=av3e

This simply isn't true

Physically he’s every bit as good as Fitzgerald, he doesn’t have Calvin’s height but there’s no reason that he can’t provide the same type of value. The way he sheds tackles and roughs up defenders. His first big catch against the Jets? Where it took like five guys to take him down? That’s how the dude plays. He’s struggled with injuries the past two years, and judging by his cramps and pulls he needs to improve his conditioning and judging by his Twitter feed he needs to work on his diet. He’s not one of us, he’s a pro athlete. I’d honestly love for Terrell Owens to train with him. Hell get the Playmaker himself to give him pointers on training and conditioning. So while, I’ll agree it’s unlikely he’s Fitzgerald or Megatron, it’s unlikely ANY WR is that good even AJ Green and Julio Jones, it’s still possible. So I’ll point you to an old song, a song that I hear that the Eagles listen to for motivation in the locker room:

Less time being a twitterer, more time being a pro.

Plenty of athletes and other successful figures tweet a lot. That's not the problem.

He needs to stop tweeting from Hooters and places that serve lots of fried seafood and start tweeting from Whole Foods.

Miss the bold?
Birds tweet. People twit.

I'll say this.

He’s poised for that 3rd year WR break-out. I hope he seizes the moment. I could see a BIG year from him next year, if we…

StarloverinWNC - February 2, 2012 reply

At this very point in time, these are the WRs I'd take before Dez (not in any specific order)

Larry Fitzgerald
Calvin Johnson
Andre Johnson
Wes Welker
Brandon Marshall
Mike Wallace
Vincent Jackson
Dwayne Bowe
Roddy White
Steve Smith (CAR)
Marques Colston
Jordy Nelson
Greg Jennings
Hakeem Nicks
Victor Cruz
Jeremy Maclin
Miles Austin

That would put Dez 18th and in the same tier as Desean Jackson, Julio Jones, AJ Green. In my eyes, being the 18th best WR in the league in only your 2nd year is extremely good. It’s obvious that the upside is there, and what he does next year will go a long way in determining where he places himself among the other WRs. His career trajectory at this point is similar to that of Jeremy Maclin as of right now, but we’ll see.

I thought your team had a game this Sunday?

DIRE WOLF - February 2, 2012 reply

Wow, Eagles and Giants fans both posting on the Boys blog shortly after a story hits.

Interesting.

Rena - February 2, 2012 reply

Still looking for the Redskins fan....anybody see him?

Notice the 2 Giants receivers on there?

What a joke. Dez is better than both of them if Austin stays healthy and we sign Robinson. Without Austin, Dez is double teamed and has less chances. Cruz may have been a one year wonder. We’ll see.

Funny that you say that

Here’s Nicks’ stats:

2009: 47 rec, 790 yards 16.8 YPC 6 TDs
2010: 79 rec, 1052 yards 13.3 YPC 11 TDs
2011: 76 rec, 1192 yards 15.7 YPC 7 TDs (335 yards, 4 TDs in 3 postseason games as well)

Here’s Cruz’s year:

2011: 82 rec, 1536 yards 18.7 YPC 9 TDs

Here are Dez Bryant’s two years:

2010: 45 rec, 561 yards 12.5 YPC 6 TDs
2011: 63 rec, 928 yards 14.7 YPC 9 TDs

So…want to tell me how Dez is better than both of them? Cruz in his only year playing out gains both of Dez’s years COMBINED. Dez also has not had the production that Nicks has had consistently the past two years. Oh, and Nicks didn’t have Cruz in 2010…so can’t use that excuse.

Neither can you use the excuse that Dez was injured. Cruz didn’t play the first two games this year. Nicks missed 4 games in 2010, and only played in about half his games his rookie year. Also missed a game this year.

If you can call Cruz a one year wonder, I can say that so far, Dez has produced only mid-level production in both years and if extrapolated, he’d only be a mid-level WR for his career. Its about upside. Dez has a lot, but Cruz is dripping with it too.

So yeah, I’ve got some pretty good reasoning why I’d take both of them over Dez. Actually didn’t even have to think about it.

Ha

No replies.

Don’t you realize that Dez Bryant is Ranked 13th in DVOA by Football Outsiders THIRTEENTH IN DVOA BY FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS!!
Being thirteenth in a football acronym automatically makes him the best player in the NFL. Homer math.

Did you read the post?

I don’t think that was asserted.

Creasy729 - February 3, 2012 reply

I see where your coming from BBI.

Nicks and Cruz are top level talents. But so is Dez. The difference is NY has a solid o-line that gives Eli twice the amount of time to throw as Tony gets. This allows nNicks and Cruz more time in their routes than Dez, Miles & Robinson. Thus allowing for much more production. Give Romo Eli’s time to survey the field and all three of our wide outs have more production. On top of all that Witten was targeted 117 times for 79 receptions and 942 yards. Your TE 60 for 38 and 609 yards. Just my thoughts. Oh and Nicks and Cruz were half of Eli’s production Romo spreads the ball around a lot more as three of our receivers had over 850 yards! I’d rather have four guys over 500 yards (miles had an injury plagued year and amassed 579 yards) than two 1k receivers any day. Plus all four of Tony’s targets can be 1k receivers if the team needed it. In fact I would say that if the FO shores up the interior line then Romo could come close to 4800+ yards passing! (that is just my opinion).

mho - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app reply

FootballOutsiders rated the Giants OL as 4th worst in the league I believe.

PFF graded David Diehl as the worst OL in the entire league, and the line as a whole as the worst in the league. Eli Manning was actually pressured 70 snaps more than Tony Romo was (244 vs 174): http://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2012/01/31/pressure-and-the-2011-quarterbacks/

We have a terrible OL haha, worse than the Cowboys :(

I understand the point about Romo spreading it around more….and I think that’s more a testament to the types of offenses they run. Witten >>>>>>>> Ballard in terms of offensive capability….so he’s involved a lot more, whereas Ballard is used 65% of the time as a blocker that turns into an emergency outlet receiver.

PFF rated it even worse.

Looking forward to Andre Carter and his “sack”

…hoping someone gets that reference.

Lowest drop rate in the NFL.

Or do you prefer guys that put it on the ground on third downs?

CotySaxman - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Both had higher catch rates than Dez. So they both caught more of their targets than Dez did

regardless of drops.

I must agree again.

I would place Dez higher than eighteenth.there is a point, though, when a fan must acknowledge that raw productivity and numbers DO count at the wide receiver position. Naturals are cool, but if Cruz is going to produce, you play him over anyone else.

BlueNSilverBlood - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Measurables

BlueNSilverBlood - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

yessir

Dez was also out for six games and struggling with injuries for at least half of them.

Victor Cruz just had this one big year. Granted it was awesome, but better than Nicks? I doubt it. If were going to talk one big years what about Laurent Robinson? Eighth in DYAR but 3rd in DVOA, a mark at 43.1% better than the average receiver adjusted for defense and the guy covering him, Cruz’s was 33.3. Robinson’s mark was almost ten points better, that’s pretty damn good. So does that mean that Robinson is better than Cruz or in his league? Does that mean that Robinson is better than Dez or Austin? My answer to Victor Cruz is Laurent Robinson, both talented WRs that any team would love to have…I’d probably give the nod to Cruz, but it’s not by much. They’re both players without much of a pedigree that just exploded this year. Bryant and Nicks beat the both of them in PFF’s metrics. I would still take both Bryant and Nicks going forward because of the difference in physical tools and pedigrees.

As far as the Dez/Nicks comparison? I would say that for Dez’s second year it was better than Nicks’ second year despite playing fewer games. He had a slightly lower DYAR but a higher DVOA by about seven points. So while Nicks is the superior player now, Irvin’s statements are about what Dez will become. Dez needs to do work to get there, but even on his career trajectory right now he’s on pace to be superior to Nicks. That trajectory can skyrocket if he takes the same 3rd year jump that most elite WRs take and/or if he improves his conditioning and diet.

Try reading what I said again.

Dez is better than both of them if Austin stays healthy and we sign Robinson

i like dez as everyone here, but nicks and cruz are the shit

coincidentally i wanted both to become cowboys before draft process, i hate they’re playingwith the g-girls, i hope at least cruz will be in other team as soon as possible

ratware - February 2, 2012 reply

I always thought Brandon Tate was better than Nicks

This from a Carolina fan …

DalaiLuke - February 3, 2012 reply

Sorry, this post doesn't imply one thing strongly enough:

Thought … as in past tense… not present or future!

DalaiLuke - February 3, 2012 reply

Yeah, he was the number 1 WR for a year or two while Nicks was back at UNC

In any case, my original point for all that crap is up there was to point out that Dez has incredible upside…and in only his 2nd year, I’d put him as the 18th best in the league at a position that has 40 (realistically, 60 if you include slot guys) starters.

I knew someone would probably ask who I’d rank higher, so I just pre-empted that by saying it lol.

32 teams means 64 starters

96 if you include slot guys

dacolan - February 3, 2012 reply

You know you've hit the limit of the amount of coverage you can take when

you watch Madonna’s press conference live. I need to get my mind off it. I just want the damn game to come already.

That dude who asked her for a kiss at the end of his question

had some ball$. I’m surprised the security didn’t see past this.

Rohpuri - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

That was Gerald McCoy, the 3rd pick of the draft a few years ago by the Bucs lol

Wtf? Damn, I got played.

I knew he looked familiar, but damn.

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

his career projectory as of right now is better than what michael irvin put up in his first two seasons

He may fizzle, or he may sizzle, only time will tell. Good to see you again BBI

matt575 - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Irving was also hurt his rookie year.

His 2nd year was 1989.

DIRE WOLF - February 2, 2012 reply

Irving...

sigh

same to you mate.

Nicks-Maclin-Wallace (and shortly after, Dez) have historic career trajectories. Very few have accomplished what they’ve done in their first 3 (or 2) years of their careers.

Same could have been said for

Troy Hambrick and Aveion Cason.

Let’s judge Dez’ work when he has done enough to judge.

Dwayne Bowe

Dwayne Bowe? Seriously?

By the way…the servers for this blog is going crazy***

Yeah I wasn't able to get on for some time.

As far as Dwayne Bowe goes…he’d been putting up real good numbers with Matt Cassel. Imagine what he does with Romo at the helm instead?

brandon marshall, are you kidding?

i guess you saw the pro bowl

ratware - February 2, 2012 reply

why not? In almost every year of his 6 years...

his production has outstripped Dez’s. He’s a bit low on TDs, and his worst season was last year when he had Chad Henne at QB.

Victor Cruz... really??!!

scraig - February 2, 2012 reply

Why not?

More yards, more catches, more YPC, same number of TDs, higher catch percentage, 4th in DYAR (Dez is 13th)…both have limitless upside.

his QB makes him look better than he is, he doesn't have the speed to keep up with most corners

he fits into that system well but he doesn’t rank with Dez… might be a 1-year wonder

scraig - February 2, 2012 reply

Dez hasn't had a top 10 or even top 15 year in his career though....

Cruz has more yards this year than Dez had in both his years combined, and Cruz only played in 14 games.

Cruz has plenty of speed, he runs a 4.44…which is good enough…he made his LIVING on YAC….he gets separation by being an amazing route runner and having excellent body control (shielding the defender away from the ball, getting to the highest point beforehand)

As for the QB…Cruz has Eli and Dez has Romo…not a huge difference, if any, there.

wow!

I have never heard a Giants fan complement Romo! Kudos!

mho - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app reply

Rice, Largent,...

Cruz needs to Do It Again.
Dez needs to Do It.
Period.

The WR position isnt all about speed

If it was, Teddy Williams would be in the pro bowl. Witten probably runs a 4.6 these days and amassed another grip of yards this
season.

The receiving position is about vision with all of the option routes run in today’s NFL. That, along with ability to release from press, route running, and ability to seperate. Some receivers use speed to seperate, others use strength to beat the press, some use great body positioning to catch the ball once it’s released, while others simply run great routes and cut well. The best use a combination of all these attributes.

Say what you will of Cruz, but he gained a ton of yards & TDs. He may not have blazing speed but I never saw him get tackled from behind.

I love Dez, but if fantasy football has taught me anything, it’s that you can appreciate the athletes on the other 31 teams as well.

BBI is a legit enough guy to point out the strengths of Romo, Bryant, Austin, and numerous other Cowboys. As much as I hate the Giants and that mouth breathing QB, you have to admit that they have talent.

matt575 - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑↑

Only a classy knowledgable ~~Cowboys~~ football fan would do her/his part in greening that.

Author-exception.

I am Ironman!!! - February 4, 2012 reply

consider it green'd

I was about to... but will not party to your beguiling machinations!

J/K… Good post!

thanks guys

matt575 - February 4, 2012 via mobile reply

Higher catch percentage?

You mean he didn’t drop any balls? I believe you’re looking at the wrong stat.

CotySaxman - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Higher catch percentage means

the percentage of receptions compared to his targets. Ex: Catch percentage of 60%…so Dez caught 60 balls out of 100 thrown his way, etc. Different than drops.

Sounds like drop rate.

But modified to be less accurate, by introducing other variables. Maybe if Romo threw against Newman twice a year we’d have better “catch rates”.
What you’re saying is that when you throw the call to Cruz or Nicks, they have a better chance to catch it. Once it hits their hands, things get shaky.

CotySaxman - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

they might have their drops, no doubt. But that's only one factor. When you look at the constellation of

stats, they beat out Dez in most everything.

Both Nicks and Cruz are catching more passes coming their way and doing more with it when they catch them. Nicks has a 15.7 YPC with 5.0 YAC, Cruz has an 18.7 YPC with 7.4 YAC. Dez Bryant has a 14.7 YPC with 5.0 YAC.

I agree that they're more efficient targets,

catching the ball further downfield and running as far as, if not further, than Dez. I just won’t concede to the “catch rate” being more important than drop rate. Again, you got to play against our secondary twice, and Green Bay’s twice for good measure. Those are for games against weak secondaries we weren’t afforded, which muddies the comparison of catch rate, making it less telling than drop rate.

CotySaxman - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

I’d take Cruz, too. No brainer, frankly.

JimmyK - February 3, 2012 reply

Only if

The fluky production continues, and Dez never improves.

CotySaxman - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

What does fluky look like?

BigDumbFace - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app reply

A slipping defender leading to

Ridiculous yards after catch numbers. Cruz isn’t a guy pushing forward for extra yardage like Bryant. Perhaps they should check median YAC, because Cruz seems to be fairly easy to tackle, and doesn’t gain anything extra when the defender’s in position.

People called Austin’s break out season fluky, but his touchdown catches were after breaking tackles, not watching defenders tackle each other.

CotySaxman - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Fair enough.

I’m not quick to ‘annoint’ after one big year. I’d take Dez over Cruz despite the fact that Dez hasn’t put up numbers the way Cruz did this year. Dez looks like a special player to me, Cruz doesn’t.

BigDumbFace - February 3, 2012 reply

me too

DIRE WOLF - February 3, 2012 reply

My thoughts...

Better and proven to be top tier WRs:
Larry Fitzgerald – Some of the best hands and willingness to “go get it”
Calvin Johnson – Great all around WR and has amazing size
Andre Johnson – Takes a beating with all the catches, but amazing separation and hands
Brandon Marshall – MAJOR character concerns, but has the skills
Dwayne Bowe – Maturing every year even with Cassel throwing
Roddy White – Still getting it done, not the best but still top tier
Greg Jennings – High flying offense tends to make you forget how good he is (like Colston)
Reggie Wayne – Elite every year with Peyton. QB situation last year was not his fault.

Good but not great:
Hakeem Nicks – He is good, lets not forget how far he has come the past couple years
Miles Austin – He is good, needs to stay healthy.
Stevie Johnson – Out of nowhere this guy makes plays and has little help on the Bills
Wes Welker – Playing the slot with Brady throwing it is the only way this dude is relevant. He has heart and guts, but he isn’t elite and cannot do anything unless he is in the slot.
Mike Wallace – Speedy receiver is about all I would call him for now.
Vincent Jackson – Diva who blows up for certain games and disappears ALOT
Marques Colston – High flying offense but still very good
Steve Smith (CAR) – PURE HEART and finally got a QB this year and still going for undersized
DEZ BRYANT – Good WR who plays hard, but needs to keep his focus and play smart so he can stay on the field longer and earn the trust of his QB/Coach.

Sample Size is too small:
Jordy Nelson – Like Wallace but on a high octane offense means more YAC and TDs.
Victor Cruz – He has flourished playing the slot and burned alot of teams this year. I would consider him elite if he could do for another year and lineup outside
AJ Green – He should grow to be a great top-tier WR very soon
Julio Jones – Looking more like Vincent Jackson

fuji1232 - February 3, 2012 reply

Michael is being Michael ...

… which is not putting a filter on his thoughts before they pass through his lips.

Irvin is getting paid by the NFL Network because he is a hype machine. He may have some good insights but they are obscured by his “crazy talk.”

Conn Cowboy - February 2, 2012 reply

crack cocaine is a hell of a drug

That being said, I still agree with the man.

matt575 - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

It wasn't his.

It was his cousins.

riiight riiight

Just like how when ky parents found my weed pipe I was “holding it for a friend”. I love Irvin, but man… He smoked crack.

matt575 - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Prove it.

I love when people have all the answers- next time I have a question...

…I’ll know who to ask ;)

this next year will tell

3rd year is breakout year for WRs and I know his new agent will push for a top 5 season because they can renegotiate after year 3. We will see his potential this season the question in my mind is what will year for be like?

sexililkitti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

this next year will tell

3rd year is breakout year for WRs and I know his new agent will push for a top 5 season because they can renegotiate after year 3. We will see his potential this season the question in my mind is what will year for be like?

sexililkitti - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Do you think that maybe this next year will tell?

Archie Barberio - February 2, 2012 reply

thats my boy, thats my boy

2nd 88 had blow, 3rd 88 has bling

Difference? Irvin dominated on the field regardless of his issues off of it. No one ever questioned his heart, dedication and skill. IF Bryant can do the same, step up and learn, work hard and put it all on the line… It should be fun to watch.

Baloo. - February 2, 2012 reply

I'd be verry happy if Dez was a top-10 receiver

I doubt he’ll ever be number 1.

Blue Eyed Devil - February 2, 2012 reply

Number one receivers usually play on a team that has no running game.

We will have a great running game starting next year and into the future, so Dez’s chances will probably be about the same as this year’s total.

Blue Eyed Devil - February 2, 2012 reply

Andre Johnson would disagree with you on that.

Irving seem to have done fine with 22 in the backfield

djthumpl - February 2, 2012 reply

I don't think Dez will ever be enough of a technician to be #1

He hasn’t put in enough time perfecting his craft. He runs sloppy routes, and like we saw with Roy Williams, running bad routes isn’t something you can just fix. Sometimes it’s just a flaw of a player.

I don't think he cares

I think he’s lazy and won’t do what it takes to become a consistently dynamic play maker.

Michael Irvin worked harder than anyone else on the best Cowboys team ever. Dez Bryant does enough to get by. He’s JAG made better by Romo and Garrett. If he ever took the time to eat right, prepare his body, study the play book and practice running routes like they matter, then he may be a great football player.
Does anyone think he’s going to mature suddenly? He’s already rich and people are writing articles about how he’s going to be the best WR.

I would agree that Dez isn't a top WR, but a JAG?

Really? That’s pretty harsh.

I think this next year has to be his year. He improved on his rookie year last year and if he improves again he would certainly start to enter top-WR discussions.

Creasy729 - February 3, 2012 reply

ok ok

that was hyperbolic on my part. I just have an uneasy feeling he’s Antonio Bryant with more potential. Potential and sh!t till it’s utilized.

I mean realized

not utilized.

If hyperbolic is a synonym for dumb.

Irving...

sigh

A city in Texas...what about it?

+1

LOL I hate that mistake too.

Cowboys_Attack - February 5, 2012 reply

Are you saying that Houston didn't have a running game?

Seriously?

What I like most about Dez

is that he knows how to go after the ball. He wants it, and he wants to do something with it after he catches it. He’ll contort his body, reach behind himself, or reach over the defender. Now, if we could just get Romo to look his way after halftime.

Silverblue - February 2, 2012 reply

Dez Bryant if he locks in his focus like a Fitzgerald will be one of the leagues best

djthumpl - February 2, 2012 reply

We drafted him at 24...he's played up to his draft position...he's not costing an outrageous amount of $...

…he’s coachable and is a team player. We don’t seem to have a prima donna on our hands…great pick…we keep having these great picks and we’ll go places.

My point...he still has a chance to be the best...but regardless of whether will will be the absolute best, we have a top tier talent in Dez...

One.Cool.Customer - February 3, 2012 reply

Romo and Dez better have a connenction this off season.

Kevin L - February 2, 2012 reply

To people who constantly misspell Michael Irvin's name

IT’S IRVIN, not Irving!

Seriously, if you call yourself a fan of the team get it right.

That is all.

Rohpuri - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

It's a lonely fight

Fortunately, Brookings, Columbo and Terrance Newman all won’t be on the team in 2011. Good thing though that Whitten and Demarcus will stay. And I have great hopes for Lissimore, Fiamatta and Demarco next year.

Oh man

the best one I’ve read for Witten was my Ipad auto correcting his name as Wittenberg.

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

LMAO OCC

I’m one of those who misspell names all the time. Sorry if it irks ya’ll but I know the difference in Irvin and Irving. Irvin is a player Irving is the city Texas stadium was in!

mho - February 3, 2012 via iPhone app reply

well played

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Thank you Rohpuri

I am Ironman!!! - February 2, 2012 reply

I was wondering why you guys cared what my accountant thought about Dez

Seanrude - February 3, 2012 reply

As long as Dez keeps making strides (which I think he will)

I could care less what the perception of his ranking in the league is.

Creasy729 - February 2, 2012 reply

When McGee takes over as QB... or Miles and Wit leave

until then Tony will always see Dez as his #3 target… just wait ’til Demarco is healthy, he might be target #4 then. With McGee in there Dez is the #1 target guaranteed.

scraig - February 2, 2012 reply

Footsteps McGee? That's pure comedy.

You should quit your day job and start getting stand up gigs at comedy clubs.

Rohpuri - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

Bryant would be a top receiver if Romo wasn’t his QB. Romo is holding him back.

Brandon10 - February 2, 2012 reply

this is to Scraig and Brandon10:

LOL

Rohpuri - February 2, 2012 via mobile reply

?

insanity

you're a fuc&ing idiot

DIRE WOLF - February 3, 2012 reply

here's a hint

when you use “Pro bowl” to validate your argument…you lose all credibility.

Rat-Pack - February 3, 2012 reply

When Dez is playing, and is "on" he easily looks like one of, if not the most, gifted athlete on any field

Here’s to hoping it all clicks!

phoenix11 - February 2, 2012 reply

Funny

Cowboys could’ve stayed put in that draft and gone:
Devon McCourty at DB
Sean Lee ILB
Navarro Bowman ILB
But they traded up to get Dez with New England. They traded up to get Dez because Jerry lost draft picks the year before with Roy Williams.
Sigh.

I'll do you one more

Dallas’ 2009 first, and 2010 first, second, third would’ve looked like this if not for Roy Williams trade:

2009
#20: Hakeem Nicks

2010
#27: Devin McCourtey
#55: Sean Lee
#90: Navorro Bowan

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

our 2010 4th that we gave to NE, it could've been

Safety Kam Chancellor

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

& Marcus Spears could have been Aaron Rodgers

We can do this all day. No scout or GM is perfect. Go listen to some Hawthorne Heights

matt575 - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

marcus spears waste of a first rd pick

if you’re going to pass up on a blue chip RB, you better use that extra pick on a meaningful player-doesn’t necessarily have to be Rodgers.

I’m fine with the 2010 & 2011 drafts, however, I will not defend the Spears pick, or the Bobby Carpenter pick as “the draft being a crapshoot!” The first 3 rounds are not crap shoots.

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Spears I'm okay with second guessing

They already had Ware and Romo at that point and the 2010 and 2011 classes haven’t had a chance to establish themselves to see who’s a playmaker and who isn’t. For all we know Dez could be better than Roddy White. I did like the Spears pick at the time, it seemed like he could do what I thought a 34 End should do at the time. I recall all the mediots loving that first round, if that means anything. Carpenter was an awful pick…hated that move. Stupid Jerry, wait what?

Carpenter was a Parcells nepotism pick

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Flagged. Carpenter is why I'd keep Tuna out of the Hall...

… of course, I’m also an old Cowboys fan who despised the man, especially throughout the ’80’s, so there might be bias at work here.

I wish I could rec this twice.

Mainly for the “go listen to some Hawthorne Heights,” though I do believe in the main point.

Ehhh

If the Roy Williams trade isn’t made there’s no telling how the rest of the 2008 season turns out or the 2009 season. Same thing with Nicks is taken in 2009…and there’s nothing to say that Nicks would be the pick, I’d say it would have been Alex Mack. Then you don’t know where they pick in 2010 and there’s no telling if the Pats don’t just take McCourty where they originally picked. Too many what to get this accurate of a picture.

Also

if those three draft picks defensive draft picks are on the team, Wade Phillips is still head coach. Pretty weird, eh?
The defense would’ve been absolutely sick towards the end of last year and certainly this year. C’est la vie.

"Lowest drop rate of any wide receiver in the league (one drop against 63 receptions)"

That is amazing and I didn’t realize that fact.

He has vacuum hands. Sometimes he lets defenders break up his catches which may not count as a drop, but it’s hard to complain too much about that when whenever he does get a clean shot at the ball, he almost always comes up with it. This the the #1 skill of a WR. Catch the ball. And it’s something that can only be coached to a certain limited degree, you either are born with huge hands and excellent eye-hand-body coordination or you’re not. And maybe it’s the ultimate limiting factor. There’s a lot of other things that go into being a WR, but in the end you can only be as good as you can catch. So what this means to me is that his ceiling is… well he doesn’t really have a ceiling. Which is to say, if he gets the other parts of the position together which are coachable, he could be the best. So I guess I agree with The Playmaker. We’ll find out whether he fulfills his potential, but Dez’s potential is to be the best.

scottmaui - February 3, 2012 reply

Amen! Hands, heart, and hulking strength. That's Dez.

Dangerous Weapon, not a Great WR.....yet

Dez is easily my favorite Cowboy and was my favorite college player of the past 5-6 years. I maintain the same line regarding him; he’s far more of a dangerous weapon than he is a great receiver at this point.

I can’t call a receiver who has registered just one 100-yard game in two seasons “great.”

Phillyboijr - February 3, 2012 reply

Fair assessment. Dez is definitely yet-unrealized potential.

I hope Romo works with Dez on the fade and jump ball a little this off-season. It’s actually pretty amazing that Dez put up those kind of numbers last year considering Dez and Romo have yet to truly click the way Romo has with T.O., Witten, and Austin; even Robinson. The Romo/Bryant duo will be unstoppable once they get their timing down. I know some will say Romo doesn’t trust him to be where the ball is expected to be but Romo and Owens put up some prodigious numbers and for all his skills, T.O. was definitely not known for his precise route running.

It's all going to come down to his route running / smarts

What seperated Michael, who didn’t have the physical tools Dez has, was that Troy could always trust him to be in the right place at the right time, that he would make the same read as Troy, run precise routes etc.

From what I have heard, that is the one big gap in Dez’s game, he is going need to sharpen up there so he can become Romo’s Mike. If he can do that it will be of massive value to Romo and the team – he doesn’t need to be “best in the NFL”.

BoyfromOz - February 3, 2012 reply

Irvin also used his body as a shield against the defender.

Jace M - February 16, 2012 reply

As long as he becomes 1a to Witten on Clutch Plays

Then I don’t care what the stats say, I’ll roll with Dez.

He’s already more reliable than Miles in my opinion, now he needs to be as reliable as Witten in big moments.

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

I like Miles but even I admit he has some clankers for hands sometimes.

Miles doesn’t have anywhere near Dez’s physical gifts; but Austin is a technician, and Dez could learn a lot by emulating him, except when it comes to dating.

Dez has to improve his route running significantly

before he is even considered a top 10 WR let alone the best. He definitely has the physical talent to be one of the best, I question whether he has the mental capacity for it.

Right now, both Austin and Robinson are better receivers for that very reason.

Terry - February 3, 2012 reply

Dez has gotten better from year 1 to year 2

He should get even better in year 3

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

hopefully

Terry - February 3, 2012 reply

I couldn't disagree more that a journeyman WR on his third team...

… is even CLOSE to as good a WR as Bryant. The day teams actually game plan to stop Robinson, bracket him with their best cover guy on his hip at each snap of the ball (since he knows he has help over the top), and Robinson still get 10+ TDs a year, maybe then your laughable statement will be closer to the truth (but don’t hold your breath because there is no possibility of it happening).

Here’s what I think is the problem: Romo simply isn’t a good enough QB to take advantage of Bryant’s gift. His noodle of an arm can’t get the ball down the field on deep routes and Romo’s too busy eyeballing Witten like a lovestruck school girl from the huddle, to the line, to the snap of the ball, and through the whistle, that he never sees how wide open Dez is.

No, I don’t believe a word of what I wrote about Romo. I love the guy and am very happy Dallas has him. I just wanted to frame my post like you did with Dez to hopefully make you think a little harder when accessing Dez’s relative talent level. Had you compared him to Austin, that would have made a lot more sense.

I am Ironman!!! - February 5, 2012 reply

I was so about to blow up.....

then I read the last part of your post….

nice

One thing is for certain.....

Dez catches that ball in lights….. Bad throw bad lighting whatever he catches the ball.. It’s sad that tony has no trust in Dez! Is every ball megatron is thrown a perfect pass?? No!! Playmakers make plays.. Stafford is not as good as Romo the difference is he trust ALL his guys to make a play

BL0217 - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Mistaken Bullsh!t

Dez’s done the excuse-making fingertip-wave in front of that silly-ass helmet windshield indicating “lost in the glare/reflection”. This past season, in fact. Review game tape.

And before anyone jumps, gets bent outta shape, review the games and know it ain’t Dez alone that has the “difficulty”. Frikkin’ stadiums, lighting, fancy helmet sunglasses, etc. What a loadacrap.

Football’s a game to be played outdoors. On grass. In sunlight. Period.

Mart B pulled that stunt during game @ Philly

He volleyballed Romo’s pass into an INT because he lostthe ball in the glare if his visor.

Rohpuri - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Hes almost there

The reason he didnt put up huge numbers is that coverage dictates where Romo throws. Dez faced a lot of double coverage especially when Miles was out and there were times they had 3 guys around him near the goal line. Romo didnt even look his way in those situations because there was no need to force the ball. By the way he was beating the double coverage especially in the later part of the season.

JerrysWorld - February 3, 2012 reply

Rec!

Romo sees Dez doubled and Witten and Robinson facing single coverage. He had better throw it to the other guys. Teams gameplan to take certain players out of games, or at least contain them. Bryant has already forced teams to do this because they know its virtually impossible to cover him man-to-man. Remember what Dez was doing to Revis Island before he hurt his quad on the punt return? He was making Revis look silly on national TV. And the great thing is when teams bracket Dez, he has shown he’s no diva by not complaining, even though the media makes stupid comments about Dez disappearing in games and some fans are naive enough to buy it, and a handful even think Laurent Robinson is somehow a better player. Unlike T.O., who simply demanded the ball, regardless of coverage, which led to a slew of unnecessary Romo ints., Dez is unselfish and a consummate team player. Hopefully, Garrett designs more plays, other than stupid bubble screens, to get Bryant in better position to get away from all the doubles next season. Even putting him in motion every so often would be nice.

Dez will be a monster with the Cowboys

that’s all that matters.

BrickTop - February 3, 2012 via mobile reply

Dez will be an absolute monster in 2012

2nd rounder in fantasy easily!

thebigham - February 3, 2012 reply

As to BBI's list of top WRs I'd go something like:

Megatron
Wes Welker
Fitzgerald
Andre Johnson
Roddy White
Jordy Nelson
Vincent Jackson
Mike Wallace

After that it gets pretty damn messy. I think you can make arguments for one player of another very easily after that. I mean hell, after the top three it gets way too sketchy.

No way the list is much much shorter.

We are talking who to have over Dez right? Ill even say I wouldn’t trade Dez or Austin for anyone but

Andre
Calvin
Fitz
Wallace is a tie.

thebigham - February 3, 2012 reply

No, the list of the best WRs in football.

Dez still needs to do some work to get to where he can be was and Austin needs to be healthy for a full season with Romo. He was pretty good in 2010 he just had Kitna for half the season. This year he was hurt, so I’ll give him a mulligan on that one.

I think listing Jordy Nelson over Greg Jennings

Is pretty preposterous.

But I agree with your main point of the rest of the rankings being a mess afterwards.

Nelson's hands and moves are sick dude

He had a monster season this year, I’d easily rather have him than Jennings.