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Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com
(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing players' impact last season and how each fits into the team's 2012 plans. Today's Roster Rundown entry features wide receiver Kevin Ogletree.)
Name: Kevin Ogletree
Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 190
Experience: 3 seasons
College: Virginia
Key stat: Ogletree more than doubled his production from his two years in last season alone, catching 15 passes for 164 yards. In his first two year, Ogletree had a combined 10 receptions for 130 yards.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012.
2011 Impact: All offseason and training camp, there was rampant speculation about Ogletree's spot as the No. 3 receiver and if he would be replaced. The Cowboys continued to have confidence in him throughout camp and entering Week 1 against the Jets, Ogletree was the third receiver. It was only when Miles Austin went out with his first hamstring injury and Laurent Robinson filled in so nicely, did Ogletree eventually get bumped to No. 4 after Austin returned. Still, Ogletree caught 15 passes in spot duty.
Where He Fits: The Cowboys chose not to give him a restricted free-agent tender offer of $1.34 million in the offseason, but instead brought him back on a one-year deal worth about $700,000. It might be the exact same scenario for Ogletree heading into this year, depending what the Cowboys do in the draft at receiver. For now, Ogletree is again the No. 3 receiver behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, but it's certain the Cowboys are looking for an upgrade. All offseason, when asked about the departure of Robinson, who signed with Jacksonville, the coaches and front-office, including Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones, have raved about their excitement in Andre Holmes and Dwayne Harris. Expect another receiver to be added in the draft with about a handful of rookies on the roster after the draft and free agency. Ogletree dabbled as a return man last year and his 25-yard punt return was the longest by any Cowboys player in 2011. But being a fourth receiver, that spot needs to be better on special teams.
Writers' Analysis:
Nick Eatman: Here's a guy who continues to get opportunities. There must be something we don't see in practice or on tape the coaching staff really likes about a guy who has averaged eight catches a season in three years. Better yet, he has only four special teams tackles in those three seasons. So he's not starting and doesn't contribute on special teams at all. It just doesn't add up. He was that guy that came out of nowhere in 2009 to make the 53-man roster and by the end of his rookie season, he was flashing enough promise to get this team excited about his potential. But after three years, he hasn't taken that next step. Out of necessity, he's back for now. But if some other rookie emerges as the 2009-version of Ogletree, he may push the 2012 Ogletree out the door. It's a make-or-break season for K-O big time.
Rob Phillips: Last year was Ogletree's first real chance to crack the rotation, but Laurent Robinson took his spot with consistency and a strong rapport with quarterback Tony Romo. Things haven't changed much since last summer. Ogletree is back, but he's facing competition on two fronts: the other young receivers behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, as well as every free agent receiver in the league. Like Nick said, the Cowboys will continue to keep their eyes open. Ogletree has talent; he'll have to be consistent from the first workout all the way through preseason in order to make the team and earn playing time.
Nick Eatman
DallasCowboys.com
(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing players' impact last season and how each fits into the team's 2012 plans. Today's Roster Rundown entry features wide receiver Kevin Ogletree.)
Name: Kevin Ogletree
Position: Wide Receiver
Height/Weight: 6-1 / 190
Experience: 3 seasons
College: Virginia
Key stat: Ogletree more than doubled his production from his two years in last season alone, catching 15 passes for 164 yards. In his first two year, Ogletree had a combined 10 receptions for 130 yards.
Contract Status: Signed through 2012.
2011 Impact: All offseason and training camp, there was rampant speculation about Ogletree's spot as the No. 3 receiver and if he would be replaced. The Cowboys continued to have confidence in him throughout camp and entering Week 1 against the Jets, Ogletree was the third receiver. It was only when Miles Austin went out with his first hamstring injury and Laurent Robinson filled in so nicely, did Ogletree eventually get bumped to No. 4 after Austin returned. Still, Ogletree caught 15 passes in spot duty.
Where He Fits: The Cowboys chose not to give him a restricted free-agent tender offer of $1.34 million in the offseason, but instead brought him back on a one-year deal worth about $700,000. It might be the exact same scenario for Ogletree heading into this year, depending what the Cowboys do in the draft at receiver. For now, Ogletree is again the No. 3 receiver behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, but it's certain the Cowboys are looking for an upgrade. All offseason, when asked about the departure of Robinson, who signed with Jacksonville, the coaches and front-office, including Jason Garrett and Jerry Jones, have raved about their excitement in Andre Holmes and Dwayne Harris. Expect another receiver to be added in the draft with about a handful of rookies on the roster after the draft and free agency. Ogletree dabbled as a return man last year and his 25-yard punt return was the longest by any Cowboys player in 2011. But being a fourth receiver, that spot needs to be better on special teams.
Writers' Analysis:
Nick Eatman: Here's a guy who continues to get opportunities. There must be something we don't see in practice or on tape the coaching staff really likes about a guy who has averaged eight catches a season in three years. Better yet, he has only four special teams tackles in those three seasons. So he's not starting and doesn't contribute on special teams at all. It just doesn't add up. He was that guy that came out of nowhere in 2009 to make the 53-man roster and by the end of his rookie season, he was flashing enough promise to get this team excited about his potential. But after three years, he hasn't taken that next step. Out of necessity, he's back for now. But if some other rookie emerges as the 2009-version of Ogletree, he may push the 2012 Ogletree out the door. It's a make-or-break season for K-O big time.
Rob Phillips: Last year was Ogletree's first real chance to crack the rotation, but Laurent Robinson took his spot with consistency and a strong rapport with quarterback Tony Romo. Things haven't changed much since last summer. Ogletree is back, but he's facing competition on two fronts: the other young receivers behind Miles Austin and Dez Bryant, as well as every free agent receiver in the league. Like Nick said, the Cowboys will continue to keep their eyes open. Ogletree has talent; he'll have to be consistent from the first workout all the way through preseason in order to make the team and earn playing time.
