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Posted by rphillips at 2/28/2011 1:13 PM CST on truebluefanclub.com
The last time the Cowboys spent a draft pick on a kick returner, LSU's Skyler Green (fourth round) got cut in December of his 2006 rookie season.
With so many holes on offense and defense, it seems unlikely the Cowboys could (or should) afford to take a flier on a return specialist at some point in the draft. They need depth at multiple positions, and if they need someone to field a kick, Dez Bryant isn't a bad option.
Bryant was electric on punt returns, returning two for touchdowns as a rookie. But if he indeed becomes more of an offensive focal point coming off surgery, the team might be reluctant to use him on punt and kickoff returns.
In 2010 they ranked second in punt return average (15.9) but only 23rd on kickoff returns (21.2), and it's an area special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis has sought improvement since 2009. Really, way before that. The Cowboys have four kickoff returns for touchdowns since 2002, and one was Randal Williams' fluke onside recovery in 2003.
Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter and TCU's Jeremy Kerley are just two guys in that mold. But again, the Cowboys could use picks on offensive tackles, guards, defensive ends, safeties and linebackers. Add it all up and there might not be room for a specialist.
The last time the Cowboys spent a draft pick on a kick returner, LSU's Skyler Green (fourth round) got cut in December of his 2006 rookie season.
With so many holes on offense and defense, it seems unlikely the Cowboys could (or should) afford to take a flier on a return specialist at some point in the draft. They need depth at multiple positions, and if they need someone to field a kick, Dez Bryant isn't a bad option.
Bryant was electric on punt returns, returning two for touchdowns as a rookie. But if he indeed becomes more of an offensive focal point coming off surgery, the team might be reluctant to use him on punt and kickoff returns.
In 2010 they ranked second in punt return average (15.9) but only 23rd on kickoff returns (21.2), and it's an area special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis has sought improvement since 2009. Really, way before that. The Cowboys have four kickoff returns for touchdowns since 2002, and one was Randal Williams' fluke onside recovery in 2003.
Oklahoma State's Kendall Hunter and TCU's Jeremy Kerley are just two guys in that mold. But again, the Cowboys could use picks on offensive tackles, guards, defensive ends, safeties and linebackers. Add it all up and there might not be room for a specialist.