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Position Series: Austin, Bryant Headline Inexperienced WRs
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: This is the second in an 11-part series analyzing every position on the Cowboys' roster, providing a quick look back before addressing the needs of each spot on the field and how it can be improved heading into the 2011 season. Today we examine the running backs.)
Since arriving in Dallas in 2008, Roy Williams hasn't had more than 38 catches in one season.
Pressing Matters: One of the team's biggest dilemmas this offseason involves the wide receiver spot, in particular the future of one Roy Williams. He's got a contract that mirrors a No. 1 receiver, but his production is closer to a No. 3. And if he does return next year, it's likely that Williams will have a role as the third receiver, behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. If it were that simple, than it wouldn't be a problem. However, if there is a salary cap in 2011 as expected, then Williams would likely count around $9.4 million next season. That's about $8.4 million more than teams ideally want to pay for a third receiver, especially one that is 29 years of age.
Of course, if the Cowboys decided to release Williams, it could likely cost them more than $12 million in potential cap space. And by doing that, it would create a void where the Cowboys would then likely need to acquire another receiver, considering the lack of experience behind Austin and Bryant. And when you think about it, those guys aren't exactly polished as starters.
But all of the receivers, including Williams, will likely benefit from the services of new receivers coach Jimmy Robinson, who comes over from Green Bay. Robinson has coached the likes of Andre Rison, Marvin Harrison, Joe Horn, Donald Driver and Greg Jennings in his 21 years of NFL experience.
So the Williams matter will be the most interesting situation from this position next season. A close second will be the rehab and return of Dez Bryant, who suffered a broken fibula on Dec. 5 in Indianapolis and missed the rest of the season.
2010 Evaluation: It's funny how things seem to come full circle sometimes. The Cowboys completed the preseason with a healthy stable of receivers; actually it appeared to be too many for some. By the end of the year, the Cowboys were scraping the bottom of the barrel, using guys like Manny Johnson and Jesse Holley in the final game and even project cornerback Teddy Williams, who moved over to receiver late in the season. Now, when healthy, the receivers were rather productive. Bryant was on his way to breaking all of the club's rookie records before a fractured fibula against the Colts ended his season. He exceeded even the loftiest of expectations with his playmaking ability. His only issue was a rash of minor injuries before missing the last four games.
Austin had another 1,000-yard season and made his second straight Pro Bowl, although he was a second alternate. Williams had a hot start to his season, catching all five of his touchdowns from Tony Romo, who missed the last 10 games of the year.
Need More From ... : Lots of ways to go with this one. Obviously, the Cowboys need more from Williams to justify a $9 million per season receiver. He had just 37 catches for 530 yards and five scores, but most of it occurred early in the season with Romo. That's an odd twist considering Romo and Williams have been criticized for their lack of on-field chemistry and Williams had spent two seasons with Jon Kitna before in Detroit. But, he's not alone. The Cowboys could use more from Bryant, particularly on the health front. As great as he appears to be, it won't help the team if he can't stay on the field. And if Williams isn't around next year, one of those young guys - Kevin Ogletree, Johnson or maybe Holley will have to emerge.
Upgrades Needed: Again, it all hinges on Williams. If he's around next year, the priority to land a receiver early in the draft isn't there. You still have good, young receivers in Austin and Bryant - and those are the top two guys. Adding speed at the position can always be used, regardless who is around next year. If Williams is waived, then it changes the dynamics of things. Either way, it's unlikely the Cowboys will go with a receiver in the first two rounds of the draft, but without Williams in the fold, the third-round wouldn't be too early to start addressing the position. It would be a huge bonus if that receiver could return kickoffs and/or punts. As great as Bryant looked in that area last year, he could have an expanded receiver role and his season did end while returning a kickoff.
Position Analysis:
Miles Austin - Only Michael Irvin and Terrell Owens have ever recorded three-straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Cowboys, something Austin can do in 2011.
Roy Williams - Numbers dipped dramatically when Romo went down. If he's back, he'll likely figure as the No. 3 receiver, despite his contract.
Dez Bryant - Talent-wise, he might already be the best on the entire team. Potentially one of the NFL's next best WRs, Bryant has to show he can consistently stay healthy.
Sam Hurd - Will be an unrestricted free agent. The best special teams player on the squad, but the Cowboys might be willing to let him go if the price gets too high.
Kevin Ogletree - Didn't make the jump from his rookie to sophomore season like many assumed he would. Only caught three passes and played six games.
Jesse Holley - The former reality TV star fulfilled his dream to play in the NFL, but needs to take his game to the next level and become more than a special teams player.
Manuel Johnson - Started the season on the practice squad and finished as the No. 3 receiver because of injuries. Johnson needs to take that experience and apply it next year.
Titus Ryan - Didn't get the chance to showcase his return skills when a thumb injury in the preseason opener led to his release. He's back now and will need to be dynamic on returns to have a shot.
Teddy Williams - Still in the project stage, but he's back to receiver, the position he played in high school. At least he's got plenty of speed. That's never a bad thing for a young receiver.
Troy Bergeron - Was the beneficiary of the Cowboys' injury woes and finished the year on the practice squad. He's played in every football league there is, but for now, he's here with a shot to stay.
Jeff Moturi - Like Bergeron, he got here late and wound up on the practice squad. He's another long-shot hopeful, but at this point, it's better than being on the street.
Position Series: Austin, Bryant Headline Inexperienced WRs
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com Staff Writer
(Editor's Note: This is the second in an 11-part series analyzing every position on the Cowboys' roster, providing a quick look back before addressing the needs of each spot on the field and how it can be improved heading into the 2011 season. Today we examine the running backs.)
Since arriving in Dallas in 2008, Roy Williams hasn't had more than 38 catches in one season.
Pressing Matters: One of the team's biggest dilemmas this offseason involves the wide receiver spot, in particular the future of one Roy Williams. He's got a contract that mirrors a No. 1 receiver, but his production is closer to a No. 3. And if he does return next year, it's likely that Williams will have a role as the third receiver, behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant. If it were that simple, than it wouldn't be a problem. However, if there is a salary cap in 2011 as expected, then Williams would likely count around $9.4 million next season. That's about $8.4 million more than teams ideally want to pay for a third receiver, especially one that is 29 years of age.
Of course, if the Cowboys decided to release Williams, it could likely cost them more than $12 million in potential cap space. And by doing that, it would create a void where the Cowboys would then likely need to acquire another receiver, considering the lack of experience behind Austin and Bryant. And when you think about it, those guys aren't exactly polished as starters.
But all of the receivers, including Williams, will likely benefit from the services of new receivers coach Jimmy Robinson, who comes over from Green Bay. Robinson has coached the likes of Andre Rison, Marvin Harrison, Joe Horn, Donald Driver and Greg Jennings in his 21 years of NFL experience.
So the Williams matter will be the most interesting situation from this position next season. A close second will be the rehab and return of Dez Bryant, who suffered a broken fibula on Dec. 5 in Indianapolis and missed the rest of the season.
2010 Evaluation: It's funny how things seem to come full circle sometimes. The Cowboys completed the preseason with a healthy stable of receivers; actually it appeared to be too many for some. By the end of the year, the Cowboys were scraping the bottom of the barrel, using guys like Manny Johnson and Jesse Holley in the final game and even project cornerback Teddy Williams, who moved over to receiver late in the season. Now, when healthy, the receivers were rather productive. Bryant was on his way to breaking all of the club's rookie records before a fractured fibula against the Colts ended his season. He exceeded even the loftiest of expectations with his playmaking ability. His only issue was a rash of minor injuries before missing the last four games.
Austin had another 1,000-yard season and made his second straight Pro Bowl, although he was a second alternate. Williams had a hot start to his season, catching all five of his touchdowns from Tony Romo, who missed the last 10 games of the year.
Need More From ... : Lots of ways to go with this one. Obviously, the Cowboys need more from Williams to justify a $9 million per season receiver. He had just 37 catches for 530 yards and five scores, but most of it occurred early in the season with Romo. That's an odd twist considering Romo and Williams have been criticized for their lack of on-field chemistry and Williams had spent two seasons with Jon Kitna before in Detroit. But, he's not alone. The Cowboys could use more from Bryant, particularly on the health front. As great as he appears to be, it won't help the team if he can't stay on the field. And if Williams isn't around next year, one of those young guys - Kevin Ogletree, Johnson or maybe Holley will have to emerge.
Upgrades Needed: Again, it all hinges on Williams. If he's around next year, the priority to land a receiver early in the draft isn't there. You still have good, young receivers in Austin and Bryant - and those are the top two guys. Adding speed at the position can always be used, regardless who is around next year. If Williams is waived, then it changes the dynamics of things. Either way, it's unlikely the Cowboys will go with a receiver in the first two rounds of the draft, but without Williams in the fold, the third-round wouldn't be too early to start addressing the position. It would be a huge bonus if that receiver could return kickoffs and/or punts. As great as Bryant looked in that area last year, he could have an expanded receiver role and his season did end while returning a kickoff.
Position Analysis:
Miles Austin - Only Michael Irvin and Terrell Owens have ever recorded three-straight 1,000-yard seasons with the Cowboys, something Austin can do in 2011.
Roy Williams - Numbers dipped dramatically when Romo went down. If he's back, he'll likely figure as the No. 3 receiver, despite his contract.
Dez Bryant - Talent-wise, he might already be the best on the entire team. Potentially one of the NFL's next best WRs, Bryant has to show he can consistently stay healthy.
Sam Hurd - Will be an unrestricted free agent. The best special teams player on the squad, but the Cowboys might be willing to let him go if the price gets too high.
Kevin Ogletree - Didn't make the jump from his rookie to sophomore season like many assumed he would. Only caught three passes and played six games.
Jesse Holley - The former reality TV star fulfilled his dream to play in the NFL, but needs to take his game to the next level and become more than a special teams player.
Manuel Johnson - Started the season on the practice squad and finished as the No. 3 receiver because of injuries. Johnson needs to take that experience and apply it next year.
Titus Ryan - Didn't get the chance to showcase his return skills when a thumb injury in the preseason opener led to his release. He's back now and will need to be dynamic on returns to have a shot.
Teddy Williams - Still in the project stage, but he's back to receiver, the position he played in high school. At least he's got plenty of speed. That's never a bad thing for a young receiver.
Troy Bergeron - Was the beneficiary of the Cowboys' injury woes and finished the year on the practice squad. He's played in every football league there is, but for now, he's here with a shot to stay.
Jeff Moturi - Like Bergeron, he got here late and wound up on the practice squad. He's another long-shot hopeful, but at this point, it's better than being on the street.
