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Lee Closer To A Breakout Than Dez?
Posted by jellis at 6/23/2011 3:43 PM CDT on dallascowboys.com
Even with Roy Williams' recent comments that the lockout benefits veterans, it's really no secret that this NFL is a young man's game.
With that in mind, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com sizes up the breakout potential of several players heading into their second season. While Dez Bryant was certainly the Cowboys' most exciting player last year, and may even be the most talented on the entire roster, an up-and-comer who is often overlooked is Sean Lee, the team's No. 2 pick in 2010.
"The Cowboys need an infusion of speed and athleticism at the linebacker corps," Brooks writes. "Lee not only provides those qualities, but he is an instinctive playmaker with a knack for getting around the ball. His two-interception game against the Indianapolis Colts provided Jason Garrett with a preview of his potential impact in the lineup."
Might Lee, who battled through a series of injuries that kept him from making an early impact as a rookie, be better suited to star this season than Bryant? It's quite possible, actually.
Both players were plagued by nagging injuries, as rookies often are, but Lee is probably farther along in his physical maturation process than Bryant, as he will be 25 when training camp starts, while Bryant won't turn 23 until November. In addition to the athletic demands of their respective positions, it often takes wide receivers longer to peak in the NFL because of the complexities of the offenses and the time needed to create a connection with their quarterback.
While Bryant and Tony Romo have had some chances to play catch in the player-only workouts this offseason, it hasn't been as much as they would get in a typical spring and summer. Lee, meanwhile, is learning a new defense, but doing so at the same speed as veterans Bradie James and Keith Brooking.
While both of those players are likely to play key roles, Brooks is right that the Cowboys linebacker situation is greatly in need of more youth and athleticism. Offensively, meanwhile, there are still only so many balls to go around. While Bryant is certainly promising, Jason Witten and Miles Austin must be fed first, one would think.
So it actually seems quite possible that Lee could have a bigger impact in 2011 than Bryant.
Posted by jellis at 6/23/2011 3:43 PM CDT on dallascowboys.com
Even with Roy Williams' recent comments that the lockout benefits veterans, it's really no secret that this NFL is a young man's game.
With that in mind, Bucky Brooks of NFL.com sizes up the breakout potential of several players heading into their second season. While Dez Bryant was certainly the Cowboys' most exciting player last year, and may even be the most talented on the entire roster, an up-and-comer who is often overlooked is Sean Lee, the team's No. 2 pick in 2010.
"The Cowboys need an infusion of speed and athleticism at the linebacker corps," Brooks writes. "Lee not only provides those qualities, but he is an instinctive playmaker with a knack for getting around the ball. His two-interception game against the Indianapolis Colts provided Jason Garrett with a preview of his potential impact in the lineup."
Might Lee, who battled through a series of injuries that kept him from making an early impact as a rookie, be better suited to star this season than Bryant? It's quite possible, actually.
Both players were plagued by nagging injuries, as rookies often are, but Lee is probably farther along in his physical maturation process than Bryant, as he will be 25 when training camp starts, while Bryant won't turn 23 until November. In addition to the athletic demands of their respective positions, it often takes wide receivers longer to peak in the NFL because of the complexities of the offenses and the time needed to create a connection with their quarterback.
While Bryant and Tony Romo have had some chances to play catch in the player-only workouts this offseason, it hasn't been as much as they would get in a typical spring and summer. Lee, meanwhile, is learning a new defense, but doing so at the same speed as veterans Bradie James and Keith Brooking.
While both of those players are likely to play key roles, Brooks is right that the Cowboys linebacker situation is greatly in need of more youth and athleticism. Offensively, meanwhile, there are still only so many balls to go around. While Bryant is certainly promising, Jason Witten and Miles Austin must be fed first, one would think.
So it actually seems quite possible that Lee could have a bigger impact in 2011 than Bryant.
suicide), Brady, and eventually Carter.