ESPN Dallas: Jerry Jones to dine with Dez Bryant... runs 4.52 at pro day

[Arch Stanton]

Jerry Jones to dine with Dez Bryant
March, 30, 2010
MAR 30
8:53
AM CT
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By ESPNDallas.com
Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant is scheduled to have dinner Wednesday night with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, whose team could use another wide receiver, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports. Representatives from 20 NFL teams are expected to watch Bryant's workout today in Lufkin.

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallascowboys/post/_/id/4667272/jerry-jones-to-dine-with-dez-bryant

[theogt]

He's going to peer into his soul.

[zrinkill]

I am starting to like this idea ..... only so I can say a kid who is from my neck of the woods is on the Cowboys.

[SDogo]

Jerry really seems to be covering all his bases with Dez. I think he is having flash backs to Moss and does not want to make that mistake again if the opportunity presents itself.

[BrAinPaiNt]

He's going to peer into his soul.

Shows they have a little more interest in him than I expected. Guess maybe he wants to see what kind of guy he is instead of just giving a regular visit.

Interesting. At one time I would have said no way and even wondered if they had taken him off their board.

[Chocolate Lab]

This is worrying me a little. I hope Jerry isn't back in Pacman/Tank mode where he thinks he can singlehandedly turn these guys around.

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?

[Gaede]

Jerry really seems to be covering all his bases with Dez. I think he is having flash backs to Moss and does not want to make that mistake again if the opportunity presents itself.

Yeah, that's what it seems like.

We're definitely doing our homework on him...That we're this interested in him leads me to believe they think his character problems are overblown

[Duane]

This is worrying me a little. I hope Jerry isn't back in Pacman/Tank mode where he thinks he can singlehandedly turn these guys around.

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?

Jerry is getting old and you know how he loves to give high draft picks for WRs.

[SDogo]

For those opposed the good news is if he has even a above average work out today he will be long gone before #27.

[Aikmaniac]

Nothing wrong with getting to know the kid. He has talent. Why not?

[HoleInTheRoof]

If Dez falls to the 20's, you have to take him.

Risk reward is too great.

This is smart by Jerry Jones to do his research.

[CATCH17]

This is worrying me a little. I hope Jerry isn't back in Pacman/Tank mode where he thinks he can singlehandedly turn these guys around.

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?

Dez is such a strange case though because there is nothing but rumors out there about the guy.

Some people say he is a great guy and some say he isn't. In cases like this it is usually in-between somewhere and most likely the guy is just an immature college kid.

[Sonny Koufax]

I think it's a smoke screen. I don't think Jerry will replace Roy Williams, and that's what Dez Bryant would do.
I think Jerry wants peope to think we might pick Bryant, #1 to hide who we really want and #2 to make sure he's picked before us so that will push someone else down to us.
With saying all of that, I really want us to pick Dez Bryant.

[speedkilz88]

For those opposed the good news is if he has even a above average work out today he will be long gone before #27.
I wouldn't be so sure about that. One would think that this is the guy all 32 teams would want to bring in and meet if there was interest so that they know all they can about them good or bad. So far the Cowboys are the only one to schedule a meeting.

[CATCH17]

I think it's a smoke screen. I don't think Jerry will replace Roy Williams, and that's what Dez Bryant would do.
I think Jerry wants peope to think we might pick Bryant, #1 to hide who we really want and #2 to make sure he's picked before us so that will push someone else down to us.
With saying all of that, I really want us to pick Dez Bryant.

Dez would actually replace Crayton.

If you look at both players skill set it is identical except Dez is obviously much more talented.

The scarry thing is Crayton and Romo have chemistry and who knows how a rookie will turn out.


I think the player who is going to cut into Roy Williams snaps the most this year would be Ogletree.

[Alexander]

Jerry really seems to be covering all his bases with Dez. I think he is having flash backs to Moss and does not want to make that mistake again if the opportunity presents itself.
He had dinner with Moss too, buttered him up that he was going to be Dallas' pick if available and then he promptly took Greg Ellis.

The only flashback he should have is how he passed on an elite receiver for an average end because he was scared off by character concerns.

[Chief]

Dez is such a strange case though because there is nothing but rumors out there about the guy.

Some people say he is a great guy and some say he isn't.

This is the same that was said about Quincy Carter. Lacewell went on and on about the rumors, but said they did their research and couldn't find anything.

[Alexander]

Dez would actually replace Crayton.

If you look at both players skill set it is identical except Dez is obviously much more talented.

The scarry thing is Crayton and Romo have chemistry and who knows how a rookie will turn out.


I think the player who is going to cut into Roy Williams snaps the most this year would be Ogletree.

I would keep Crayton and make Ogletree and Hurd chisel their way on the roster. One of the those two might even have some trade value, if even for a late round choice. Competition would be the best thing in the world for that position. Adding a dynamic player like Bryant would be a huge win.

[CATCH17]

This is the same that was said about Quincy Carter. Lacewell went on and on about the rumors, but said they did their research and couldn't find anything.

It would definetely help out a lot more if Les Miles was still coaching @ OSU. Then there would be no question we would have all the details.

[Alexander]

It would definetely help out a lot more if Les Miles was still coaching @ OSU. Then there would be no question we would have all the details.
Who needs Les Miles when he has Deion Sanders to get the real truth from?

[CATCH17]

I would keep Crayton and make Ogletree and Hurd chisel their way on the roster. One of the those two might even have some trade value, if even for a late round choice. Competition would be the best thing in the world for that position. Adding a dynamic player like Bryant would be a huge win.

I imagine if we select Dez than Crayton will be traded the next day.

Personally I would cut ties with Roy and keep Crayton but I don't think that is what we would do.

[Chocolate Lab]

Dez may not be that bad -- I don't claim to know for sure. None of us do.

But my point is, I don't think Jerry will learn whether he is or not over a dinner conversation. Jerry should have all kinds of good contacts at OSU who could tell him the true scoop on the guy's behavior over a period of years, and that would be far more valuable than talking to him for an hour or so.

Jerry seems to think he has some special ability to take in these troubled guys and turn them around, but experience shows that he doesn't.

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/1120/nfl_i_pacman_jjones_300.jpg

[Alexander]

I imagine if we select Dez than Crayton will be traded the next day.

I doubt it. Crayton is still a quality special teams player and has proven to be an asset from the slot. I doubt he would be "traded the next day". Even as a third or fourth receiver, he would have value. That fourth spot could be occupied by Bryant, with the winner of the Ogletree/Hurd battle getting the spot if I were running the team.

[CATCH17]

I doubt it. Crayton is still a quality special teams player and has proven to be an asset from the slot. I doubt he would be "traded the next day". Even as a third or fourth receiver, he would have value. That fourth spot could be occupied by Bryant, with the winner of the Ogletree/Hurd battle getting the spot if I were running the team.

Ogletree and Hurd isn't a contest.

If you listen to Babe Laufenberg last year Roy had a tough time holding off Ogletree last year and believes he will easily pass him this year.

Hurd is a great coverage guy on special teams and Dez can do everything Crayton does.

So clearly Crayton is the odd man out.

[theogt]

This is worrying me a little. I hope Jerry isn't back in Pacman/Tank mode where he thinks he can singlehandedly turn these guys around.

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?I don't think he got rid of Tank because of "off the field issues." He got rid of him because he oddly turned out to be a complete waste of a roster spot.

He would have kept Pacman if the guy could have actually stayed out of trouble in Dallas.

I just don't think he would (or should) ever just completely rule out players with potential red flags if they have the talent. It's all about the risk/reward calculation. You have to weigh both sides.

[Alexander]

I don't think he got rid of Tank because of "off the field issues." He got rid of him because he oddly turned out to be a complete waste of a roster spot.

He would have kept Pacman if the guy could have actually stayed out of trouble in Dallas.

I just don't think he would (or should) ever just completely rule out players with potential red flags if they have the talent. It's all about the risk/reward calculation. You have to weigh both sides.
Johnson was also a disruptive force on the field. His antics in that final game in Philadelphia were the final straw. He went for the same reason Owens did. His usefulness on the team did not outweigh the bad from his personality.

[Vinnie2u]

I have a feeling that some people will get mad at Jerry for passing on Dez like he did Santonio Holmes.. News out of Pittsburg are not good on him.. Stay away from shady characters Jerry.. So what if 1-10 turn it around.. 9-10 don't..

[ThreeSportStar80]

At 27 Dez Bryant is a steal...

[TheCount]

While training for today's Pro Day, Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant reportedly ran a 4.32 forty-yard dash last week.

Repeating the time could get Bryant back into the top-ten conversation. It remains to be seen what he'll run with 20 NFL teams expected to be on hand Tuesday, but another sub-4.4 would vehemently quell concerns that he lacks ideal speed and has been out of shape. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Bryant is expected to dine with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on Wednesday.


Per Rotoworld.

Now you guys don't have to worry about his character, whew!

This is all "reportedly", btw.

[InmanRoshi]

I don't think he's like Tank or PacMan bad in that he doesn't seem to have any criminal tendencies, he just seems like a product of an environment without structure. But I think he's still got a lot of life lessons ahead of him, and if you're playing for the Dallas Cowboys you're not going to learn those lessons low key and under the radar.

[theogt]

Johnson was also a disruptive force on the field. His antics in that final game in Philadelphia were the final straw. He went for the same reason Owens did. His usefulness on the team did not outweigh the bad from his personality.That last game was the only evidence I have of this and I think at that point it was obvious that the staff didn't want him next season so he was "acting out."

[Hostile]

He had dinner with Moss too, buttered him up that he was going to be Dallas' pick if available and then he promptly took Greg Ellis.

The only flashback he should have is how he passed on an elite receiver for an average end because he was scared off by character concerns.I used to know a guy who was playing at Arizona that was a cousin to Moss. He said Moss was a huge Cowboys fan and Jerry assured him he was our pick.

I had a giant draft party at my house that day and I was talking trash like you cannot believe. I was telling them how he was the greatest WR ever and going to be better then Jerry Rice and I was going to rub it in.

When the pick was on the way to the podium I made everyone shut the hell up. Dead silence in my living room. When the name was read I was the laughing stock of Tucson. My friends were all over each other laughing. I stood there in dead silence. I was numb all over.

I did hear that Jerry tried to get back into round 1 to take Randy, but couldn't. I have always believed one reason why Randy just kills us is to rub it in to Jerry.

[Hostile]

Per Rotoworld.

Now you guys don't have to worry about his character, whew!

This is all "reportedly", btw.Al Davis just had a heartbeat.

[reddyuta]

jerry is doing his homework.for the record trading up for anybody in this draft is a bad idea,especially for a team missing a 5th rd draft pick.

[jcollins28]

This is worrying me a little. I hope Jerry isn't back in Pacman/Tank mode where he thinks he can singlehandedly turn these guys around.

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?

Please fill me but didn't Bryant get in trouble because of some business wth an agent? That is a far far stretch from Pacman/Tank type trouble.

[AKATheRake]

If Dez Bryant is sitting there at pick 20 down and none of the o-lineman or Thomas remain, we need to go get him and move Crayton to for a 4th. That's too much fire power and value not to capitalize on.

At that selection and contractual commitment the reward far exceeds the risk. By leaps and bounds.

[Chocolate Lab]

Please fill me but didn't Bryant get in trouble because of some business wth an agent? That is a far far stretch from Pacman/Tank type trouble.

:banghead:

The point isn't that Dez is a criminal like those guys. The point is that Jerry thinks he can turn guys' lives around by the sheer force of his personality, and he can't. I probably should have put TO instead. Jerry thought he'd be TO's buddy, pay him a lot of money, constantly stroke his ego, etc... But TO ended up doing the same thing here he's done everywhere else.

I think Emmitt had a saying on this topic.

[AMERICAS_FAN]

This is worrying me a little. I hope Jerry isn't back in Pacman/Tank mode where he thinks he can singlehandedly turn these guys around.

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?

The lesson Jerry Jones lerned last year is that Roy Willimas blows and Dallas is in desperate need of a starting #2 calliber WR. If anything, this proves that Jones has learned and remebers this lesson all too intimately.

[Cover 2]

Per Rotoworld.

Now you guys don't have to worry about his character, whew!

This is all "reportedly", btw.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if that 4.32 was true. People were severely underrating his speed.

[SMCowboy]

The 4.32 may very well be legit, and he may very well be able to post that again, he is very fast. But, the questions that is keeping alot off him, and will probably lead him to drop are:
#1.) How will he play after sitting out most of last year.
#2.) Questions about his character.

[TheCount]

The 4.32 may very well be legit, and he may very well be able to post that again, he is very fast. But, the questions that is keeping alot off him, and will probably lead him to drop are:
#1.) How will he play after sitting out most of last year.
#2.) Questions about his character.

If he runs a 4.3, it won't be a question we need to answer.

[AMERICAS_FAN]

It's possible that Jerry Jones really wanted to go to dinner with WR Roy Williams, only when Jones dialed 9-11, Roy once again dod not answer. :laugh2:

[Doomsday101]

Dez is a very good WR and return man. If he is our pick I no problem with it.

I have said it before but I think there are more than 1 or 2 options or players out there who would be a good pick up at 27 and Dez is one of them.

[Sam I Am]

I'm sorry. Even with all the bad press he is getting. I just don't see Dez sliding all the way to 27th. Especially with teams like the Raiders, Bengals, and now Mike Holmgrenless Seattle whom needs a true #1 to compliment Hoosh drafting a head of us.

If anything, Jerry is courting for a possible trade up. I just can't see him trading up 7 slots to draft before say the Bengals for him. That would be expensive. Especially when a safety or OL might be available. Though if he is there around the 20th slot, he will easily be the best player available.

[TheSport78]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter)
Initial reports on Dez Bryant's 40-yard dash are not encouraging. One scout in attendance texted that Bryant clocked an unconfirmed 4.57.

Eek! :eek:

[Woods]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter)
Initial reports on Dez Bryant's 40-yard dash are not encouraging. One scout in attendance texted that Bryant clocked an unconfirmed 4.57.

Eek! :eek:

I expected him to be around 4.50 area anyway. Not sure that's surprising.

EDIT: I don't think most people thought of him as a 4.3 or 4.4 guy.

[Big Dakota]

North of 4.55 isn't good but like Woods said, most expected him to run in the 4.5 range. I'm more worried about his routes.

[InmanRoshi]

A little slower than expected, but not a huge surprise. He's not a straight line burner (but he runs faster in pads). His best traits are his size, ballskills, initial burst and lateral quickness.

Bad athletes don't win the All Big XII Special Teamer of the Year Award as punt returners, and run back 3 punts for TDs in only 22 punt return attempts.

[Chocolate Lab]

But "reports" had him running 4.32s in training!

:rolleyes:

[Woods]

North of 4.55 isn't good but like Woods said, most expected him to run in the 4.5 range. I'm more worried about his routes.

To tell the truth, I'd be more surprised if he ran sub 4.5 sec. :laugh2:

[Arch Stanton]

Big names come out for Bryant's pro day

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 30, 2010 12:53 PM ET
We're still waiting to hear about Dez Bryant did at his pro day, but here's a spoiler alert: He's going to do great. (We base this on every other pro day review.)

Make no mistake: Lufkin, Texas is the center of the NFL universe Tuesday. The Sacramento Bee reports Mike Singletary and Trent Baalke have continued their excellent adventure together by looking at another Eugene Parker client with ties to Deion Sanders. (Hmmm.)

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports 20 teams are in attendance, including Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. (Take that, Brandon Marshall!)

Packers coach Mike McMarthy is also in attendance.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/30/big-names-come-out-for-bryants-big-day/

[RS12]

Dez may not be that bad -- I don't claim to know for sure. None of us do.

But my point is, I don't think Jerry will learn whether he is or not over a dinner conversation. Jerry should have all kinds of good contacts at OSU who could tell him the true scoop on the guy's behavior over a period of years, and that would be far more valuable than talking to him for an hour or so.

Jerry seems to think he has some special ability to take in these troubled guys and turn them around, but experience shows that he doesn't.

http://assets.espn.go.com/photo/2008/1120/nfl_i_pacman_jjones_300.jpg

Jerry and Boone Pickens are close. That means Jerry can pick up the phone and find out anything that ever went on at OSU anytime he wants. If Dez ran 4.32 top 10. If he ran a 4.57 second round.

[big dog cowboy]

Adam_Schefter (http://twitter.com/Adam_Schefter)
Initial reports on Dez Bryant's 40-yard dash are not encouraging. One scout in attendance texted that Bryant clocked an unconfirmed 4.57.

That speed just cost him some big bucks.

[Double Trouble]

I think Emmitt had a saying on this topic.What was it? Something like, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him eat,"?

[TheCount]

Jerry and Boone Pickens are close. That means Jerry can pick up the phone and find out anything that ever went on at OSU anytime he wants. If Dez ran 4.32 top 10. If he ran a 4.57 second round.

I don't think he makes it out of the first either way.

[Doomsday101]

Jerry must have told him over dinner to ease up on the 40 so you will last to 27. :laugh2:

[Arch Stanton]

Bryant posts expected 40 times during private workout
Posted: March 30th, 2010 | Gil Brandt | Tags: 2010 Pro Days, Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

Oklahoma State WR Dez Bryant is still going through position drills at his private workout for NFL teams, but I do have his 40-yard dash times to pass along.

Bryant began the workouts Tuesday in his hometown of Lufkin, Texas, with the 40, posting times of 4.52, 4.68 and 4.52. He was asked to run the third time due to the discrepancy between the first two times.

Early during his position drills, Bryant did drop some passes, but he looked much better after getting into the flow of the drills with former Oklahoma State QB Bobby Reid.

The notable NFL coaches and executives in attendance today include Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, coach Mike Singletary and director of player personnel Trent Baalke of the 49ers, Packers coach Mike McCarthy and director of college scouting John Dorsey, Ravens wide receivers coach Jim Hostler, Bucs wide receivers coach Eric Yarber and Raiders scout Cliff Branch.

– Gil Brandt

http://blogs.nfl.com/2010/03/30/bryant-posts-expected-40-times-during-private-workout/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

[TheCount]

4.52 is definitely good enough.

[JeffInDC]

4.52 is definitely good enough.

I wonder what he weighed, because a 4.52 @ the 225 he weighed at the combine is more than acceptable. When you watch his game tape, he is very fluid for a guy that size.

[HoleInTheRoof]

Forty times kill me.

4.52 and everyone is like "Yeah, that's what we expected."

4.57 and everyone is like "He's gonna slide!!!"

:laugh2:

[Big Dakota]

4.52 may keep him in the top 20.

[Big Dakota]

To tell the truth, I'd be more surprised if he ran sub 4.5 sec. :laugh2:
AGREED

[cowboyjoe]

ran 4.55

11 foot broadjump with mike mayock and corey chavious

weighed 224

hardly any fat

lost his feet on breaks, but plucked the football, mayock says cant put himm in larry fitzgerald class,

corey said really didnt see him drop his hips, with more questions coming out of his workout in my hometown lufkin texas

you didnt finish your short shuttle or your cone, if this guy starts to slide, where are we going to take him, and have to go back and look at tape

corey said could be a randy moss like slide

running routes mayock said he kept losing his balance with turf with his shoes

when he goes get the football thats where dez is elite, he is quicker than fast right now

talked about returning punts for tds against baylor

good workout corey said, but not great and some of workout was poor

mayock said he could go anywhere from 10 o 25

38 inch vertical too

thats it zoners will cover more from lufkin later on nfl network;

a gm says has questions off of the field, what was his 20, why didnt he finish his shuttle and cone drill, so is this a conditioning issue or mental the ex gm for the texans said casserly

[zrinkill]

I live in Nac Joe.

Drive to Lufkin about 4 days a week.

[cowboyjoe]

I live in Nac Joe.

Drive to Lufkin about 4 days a week.

cool buddy, want to check out my war room when i get it put back together, putting new carpet in, so take a few days to put everything back, carpet going in tomorrow

i really wanted to go to the pro day, but i couldnt get off of work; :lmao2: :lmao2:

[Arch Stanton]

Bryant has so-so workout

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 30, 2010 2:05 PM ET
Maybe you can scratch Dez Bryant off the Raiders' wish list after all.

Bryant ran the forty in 4.52, 4.68, and 4.52, according to NFL.com. Bryant was asked to run a third time because of the discrepancy in the times. He jumped 38 inches on his vertical leap and jumped over eleven feet on his broad jump, which is a huge number.

He wasn't able to finish the three-cone drill and short shuttle, which perhaps indicates a lack of work preparing for the pro day. His hands reportedly looked good.

Mike Mayock said he was surprised by the slow forty times. He appears to play faster on tape.

The problem for Bryant is that Adam Schefter tweeted that Bryant ran a 4.32 last week, creating high expectations. Larry Fitzgerald ran a similar time a few years ago, but didn't have the same off-field concerns.

Mayock said "more questions than answers" came out of the workout.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/30/bryant-has-so-so-workout/

[Cover 2]

Bryant has so-so workout

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 30, 2010 2:05 PM ET
Maybe you can scratch Dez Bryant off the Raiders' wish list after all.

Bryant ran the forty in 4.52, 4.68, and 4.52, according to NFL.com. Bryant was asked to run a third time because of the discrepancy in the times. He jumped 38 inches on his vertical leap and jumped over eleven feet on his broad jump, which is a huge number.

He wasn't able to finish the three-cone drill and short shuttle, which perhaps indicates a lack of work preparing for the pro day. His hands reportedly looked good.

Mike Mayock said he was surprised by the slow forty times. He appears to play faster on tape.

The problem for Bryant is that Adam Schefter tweeted that Bryant ran a 4.32 last week, creating high expectations. Larry Fitzgerald ran a similar time a few years ago, but didn't have the same off-field concerns.

Mayock said "more questions than answers" came out of the workout.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/30/bryant-has-so-so-workout/
I completely agree with this. On the field he looks like a burner.

[superonyx]

I am typically pretty hard on the bad character players. Dont like Ocho Cinco, TO, Desean Jackson types. I am generally pretty tired of the recent trend of arrogant "look at me" WR's that have infested the NFL. What a breath of fresh air Miles Austin is. I like to see players smile when they produce instead of show boat.

As far as Dez..... I actually feel sorry for him when i read about his childhood. I will give him some slack due to that. I really dont know enough about him to say he is of bad character. A kid with a tough childhood who becomes approached by Dion Sanders is probably easily influenced. I would be more concerned if he had the type of troubles guys like pacman had. Or even Randy Moss had before he came to the Nfl. I am not completely sold on us needing a WR that badly right now. I would like to see some depth added on the offensive line. Especially if Jerry plans to cut Flozell.

But if Dez could be had for a 1st round pick and Brandon Marshall could be had for a 1st round pick and you are set on a Wr which way do you go? I tend to favor Marshall due to his multiple 100 catch seasons. The major difference would be money of course.

[dadymat]

Ogletree and Hurd isn't a contest.

If you listen to Babe Laufenberg last year Roy had a tough time holding off Ogletree last year and believes he will easily pass him this year.

Hurd is a great coverage guy on special teams and Dez can do everything Crayton does.

So clearly Crayton is the odd man out.

if we listened to Babe..Danny Amendola would still be here....:D

[romo2to]

I hope he falls to us. He was an absolute beast in college, and tape matters more than these workouts anyways.

[CIWhitefish]

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gifhttp://www.rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gifOklahoma State WR Dez Bryant reportedly forgot his cleats for Tuesday's workout, causing his numbers to drop while wearing shoes that hadn't been broken in.
NFL Network's Mike Mayock pointed out during the workout that Bryant was slipping during his forty-yard dash. If the reports of a 4.32 forty during training last week are to be believed, Bryant would have run faster Tuesday if not for the slipping. Bryant posted highly impressive numbers in the vertical (38 inches) and broad jump (11'1"), but he didn't finish the short shuttle or the three-cone drill.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/30/dez-bryant-forgot-his-cleats/)

Maybe an explanation for the higher times. However, I'm not a fan of a guy who forgets his cleats on one of the biggest days of his life. From the outside looking in he seems to be one of those guys who has a reason for everything.

[ThreeSportStar80]

http://www.rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gifhttp://www.rotoworld.com/images/pixel.gifOklahoma State WR Dez Bryant reportedly forgot his cleats for Tuesday's workout, causing his numbers to drop while wearing shoes that hadn't been broken in.
NFL Network's Mike Mayock pointed out during the workout that Bryant was slipping during his forty-yard dash. If the reports of a 4.32 forty during training last week are to be believed, Bryant would have run faster Tuesday if not for the slipping. Bryant posted highly impressive numbers in the vertical (38 inches) and broad jump (11'1"), but he didn't finish the short shuttle or the three-cone drill.
Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/30/dez-bryant-forgot-his-cleats/)

Maybe an explanation for the higher times. However, I'm not a fan of a guy who forgets his cleats on one of the biggest days of his life. From the outside looking in he seems to be one of those guys who has a reason for everything.

Sorry but I'm having a hard time understanding how you forget the correct cleats.... This guy really has issues.

[zrinkill]

Sorry but I'm having a hard time understanding how you forget the correct cleats.... This guy really has issues.

Jerry stole them.

[Doomsday101]

Jerry stole them.

Then walked around saying "man this kid is nothing but a 3rd rd pick." :laugh2:

[casmith07]

This is worrying me a little. I hope Jerry isn't back in Pacman/Tank mode where he thinks he can singlehandedly turn these guys around.

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?

In all fairness, I have yet to see anyone post anything here with concrete evidence supporting Bryant's character flaws. edit: I read above. Nevermind.

I wish he didn't hang out with Deion Sanders, too :banghead:

[theogt]

Bryant has so-so workout

Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on March 30, 2010 2:05 PM ET
Maybe you can scratch Dez Bryant off the Raiders' wish list after all.

Bryant ran the forty in 4.52, 4.68, and 4.52, according to NFL.com. Bryant was asked to run a third time because of the discrepancy in the times. He jumped 38 inches on his vertical leap and jumped over eleven feet on his broad jump, which is a huge number.

He wasn't able to finish the three-cone drill and short shuttle, which perhaps indicates a lack of work preparing for the pro day. His hands reportedly looked good.

Mike Mayock said he was surprised by the slow forty times. He appears to play faster on tape.

The problem for Bryant is that Adam Schefter tweeted that Bryant ran a 4.32 last week, creating high expectations. Larry Fitzgerald ran a similar time a few years ago, but didn't have the same off-field concerns.

Mayock said "more questions than answers" came out of the workout.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/03/30/bryant-has-so-so-workout/I wonder what the "official" number is. Eleven feet is crazy. Over eleven feet could be a record.

There's no way he's falling to 27.

[casmith07]

I wonder what the "official" number is. Eleven feet is crazy. Over eleven feet could be a record.

There's no way he's falling to 27.

He might not fall past the Raiders. :laugh2:

[Arch Stanton]

I wonder what the "official" number is. Eleven feet is crazy. Over eleven feet could be a record.

There's no way he's falling to 27.

I've read eleven feet one inch.

[Arch Stanton]

Here you go.........


WR Dez Bryant works out for scouts, gets mixed reviews
4:24 PM Tue, Mar 30, 2010 | Permalink | Yahoo! Buzz
dallasnews.com sports Bio | E-mail | News tips
After skipping the NFL combine and Oklahoma State's pro day, highly touted WR prospect Dez Bryant finally worked out for scouts on Monday.

There's no consensus on what his exact 40 times were (from "two runs at 4.52 seconds and a third at 4.68" to "a consistent 4.5" to "an average of 4.55"), but most reports would place him outside the top 10 times run by wide receivers at the NFL combine.

According to NFL.com, Bryant measured in at 6-foot-1 1/2 and 224 pounds, had a 38-inch vertical, an 11-foot-1 broad jump, 4.48-second short shuttle and 7.21-second three-cone drill.

Some reports on how his workout went:

NFL.com's Mike Maycock: "I like the guy but I can't put him in Larry Fitzgerald's class ... Very similar numbers, but he was completely clean off the field. This kid didn't finish his short shuttle, didn't finish his three-cone. There are some red flags there."

KTRE Sports Director Nick James: "Dez looked explosive. He ran well, he caught the ball well and he looked like he was in shape."

Bryant's numbers would have probably been a bit better had he not forgot his cleats, as ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio reports. An excerpt:

We're told that Bryant forgot to bring his cleats, and that as a result he had to wear a pair of brand-new shoes, which had not properly been broken in.

As a result, Bryant was slipping, as NFLN's Mike Mayock pointed out when discussing the workout on the air.

Bryant is expected to be drafted in the first round of next month's NFL draft. Maycock said he could see him going as early as the top 10, but dropping as far as late in the first round. The Cowboys have the No. 27 overall pick.

In a blog post Monday, SportsDay's Jean-Jacques Taylor said "Absolutely. No question." when asked if the Cowboys should select Bryant if he falls to No. 27.

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2010/03/wr-dez-bryant-works-out-for-scouts-gets.html?

[TheCount]

How did he "not finish" a drill? As in he stopped part way through, or in that he didn't spring through the goal line or something after?

[theogt]

How did he "not finish" a drill? As in he stopped part way through, or in that he didn't spring through the goal line or something after?Probably the latter. He put up respectable numbers (numbers that will get him into at least the top 20) on the the first few drills and then likely didn't try on the last two.

Man, this guy has red flags popping out of his ears.

"Coach, I caught two TDs in the first half; I didn't think I needed to run my routes in the second half."

[Hostile]

How did he "not finish" a drill? As in he stopped part way through, or in that he didn't spring through the goal line or something after?
If you pull up instead of power through the finish scouts tend to call it "not finishing."

If his feet were hurting due to wrong cleats that might explain it a little. That seems dubious.

[Hostile]

I just watched video of one of his 40s and he does slip near the early part of the run but finishes looking fast.

[bbgun]

It's his own fault. At dinner, Jerry implored him to eat light.

[jswalker1981]

The notable NFL coaches and executives in attendance today include Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, coach Mike Singletary and director of player personnel Trent Baalke of the 49ers, Packers coach Mike McCarthy and director of college scouting John Dorsey, Ravens wide receivers coach Jim Hostler, Bucs wide receivers coach Eric Yarber and Raiders scout Cliff Branch.


And then Cliff Branch left the workout yelling, "Not fast enough for da Raiders!"

[RS12]

The whole forgetting the cleats for his biggest work out ever is kind of troubling to me. Kinda like my kid forgetting he has home work till 9:30 on a Sunday night. Makes you think alot of the stories out there about him have some validity.

[jswalker1981]

The whole forgetting the cleats for his biggest work out ever is kind of troubling to me. Kinda like my kid forgetting he has home work till 9:30 on a Sunday night. Makes you think alot of the stories out there about him have some validity.

Maybe he thought he had them in his gym bag, and then when he got to his workout, opened up his bag and saw they were missing. I doubt he keeps his cleats right next to his car keys and wallet.

[7footer]

I really don't see what the issue is here. I don't agree with Jean-Jaque Taylor very often, but I sure do here. The guy was a complete stud at OSU, and it would be a dream to think that the Cowboys could draft such a big, physical, talented WR with the #27th pick! You get that type of value for a late round pick and you just have to roll the dice in my opinion.

It's a gamble I would LOVE taking...Heck, it couldn't be worse than drafting Bobby Carpenter in the first round, or trading a first and a third for Roy Williams could it? I say this is a no-brainer if he happens to fall to us, which I very seriously doubt

[montgod]

Maybe he thought he had them in his gym bag, and then when he got to his workout, opened up his bag and saw they were missing. I doubt he keeps his cleats right next to his car keys and wallet.

He sure didn't forget when to show up for Pacman's workout...

[jswalker1981]

He sure didn't forget when to show up for Pacman's workout...

Maybe he was late to it ;)

[Fletch]

The interest. The dinner. This could all be a smoke screen to allow us to grab that GT wideout.

But either way, I'd love to have Dez's talent on this team. The way the NFL Network was talking yesterday after Bryant's workout was that he was definitely not going in the top 10. We'll see.

[Fletch]

I can see Jerry making some serious moves, grabbing both an OL and Bryant in the first round.

Barber and a future draft pick could be in the works to do this.

[playmakers]

If somehow we did draft Bryant I would send him to Michael Irvin for 6 weeks for training.

As far as trades go, dont be suprised if Bryant is the player we want and he's there at 21 we dont package Bennett and 27 to Cincy for 21. I know 99 percent will hate that trade and Im not for or against it, but to me that's the most likely trade situation if we do like Bryant. Hopefully, we could squeeze Cincy's 2nd round pick out of them here.

SF might have an interest in Barbar because they really don't have a back up to Frank Gore. Glen(I think thats his first name) Coffee is just maraginal. This is another team that might be a suitor for a trade up. All in all

[thechosen1n2]

If somehow we did draft Bryant I would send him to Michael Irvin for 6 weeks for training.

As far as trades go, dont be suprised if Bryant is the player we want and he's there at 21 we dont package Bennett and 27 to Cincy for 21. I know 99 percent will hate that trade and Im not for or against it, but to me that's the most likely trade situation if we do like Bryant. Hopefully, we could squeeze Cincy's 2nd round pick out of them here.

SF might have an interest in Barbar because they really don't have a back up to Frank Gore. Glen(I think thats his first name) Coffee is just maraginal. This is another team that might be a suitor for a trade up. All in all

With Phillips on the roster, thats a move I would make. Witten is still in has years left....That is if scouting has determined that he is someone we really want.

[CanuckCowboysFan]

SF might have an interest in Barbar because they really don't have a back up to Frank Gore. Glen(I think thats his first name) Coffee is just maraginal. This is another team that might be a suitor for a trade up. All in all

why would they do that? Barber and Gore have the exact same running styles. Gore's the thunder, they need the lightning. There going to draft Spiller.

[Chief]

I hope this kid doesn't drop to 27.

I want guys that love to compete and have their crap together.

No more idiots.

[Chuck 54]

Lies.....4.52 was his fastest time...he was mostly upper 4.5's with the wind and 4.6's against the wind. His speed was a disappointment, not a plus.

[Double Trouble]

I hope this kid doesn't drop to 27.

I want guys that love to compete and have their crap together.

No more idiots.My question on kid is, if he has problems now, whether or not you think they're real or serious, what's he gonna do when he has a seven figure bank account?

[jswalker1981]

My question on kid is, if he has problems now, whether or not you think they're real or serious, what's he gonna do when he has a seven figure bank account?

Or what if he gets around Sherman, Austin, Witten, Romo. And sees what it takes to be a professional football player.

People act like a guy can't mature. What he is in college when he is 22-23 years old is what he is going to be when he is 28-29. :rolleyes:

[Alexander]

Or what if he gets around Sherman, Austin, Witten, Romo. And sees what it takes to be a professional football player.
Playing devil's advocate, that has not worked all that great for Martellus Bennett.

[visionary]

I hope this kid doesn't drop to 27.

I want guys that love to compete and have their crap together.

No more idiots.

+1000

[Arch Stanton]

Dez Bryant: 'I ain't never got in trouble with nobody'
12:13 PM CDT on Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Associated Press
Dez Bryant is fed up. With less than a month to go before his football fate will be decided in the NFL draft, Bryant has faced a barrage of criticism from all angles.

The latest round came after his workout for NFL scouts Tuesday, his first chance to show whether he's kept in shape after having his final college season cut short by an NCAA suspension.

Bryant had already endured questions about his integrity, stemming from the fact that he lied to an NCAA investigator about his interaction with former NFL player Deion Sanders in the offseason between his sophomore and junior seasons at Oklahoma State.

He had dealt with questions about his background, being raised by a young mother in Texas.

He had faced rumors that he skipped meetings, classes and was even late for games while at OSU.

And then, of all things, his pro day was spoiled by banter that he'd forgotten to bring the cleats he planned to wear for the workout.

"I'm not the type of person that will try to confront somebody but now I feel like it's gone too far. It's gone too far," Bryant said in an interview with The Associated Press. "I ain't never got in trouble with nobody. I never said anything. I don't say anything wrong to nobody. I'm friendly. This here is too far.

"What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don't think it has anything to do with me playing football."

Bryant questions why he has faced such a flurry of rumors following his college career, which came to an early conclusion just three games into his junior season. He had 87 receptions for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns and also returned two punts for scores in 2008.

He was the only 2008 Biletnikoff Award finalist to return to school last season and entered the season as the top receiver in college.

But most of the scrutiny Bryant has been facing has dealt with everything but his playing ability.

"What is this? Y'all don't want me to go to the NFL or something? It's going to happen," Bryant said. "It is going to happen. God blessed me to have this ability to play this game.

"I haven't did anything wrong to nobody."

Bryant said he believes he has received more criticism than even players who have had run-ins with the law.

"I don't look for trouble. I don't find trouble or none of that stuff. I'm not a troublemaker," Bryant said. "Just because I've experienced bad things, that don't make me no bad person. That don't make my mom a bad person. My mom overcame a lot of adversity just as well as I have.

"People change. I don't think people understand that. People change, and I thought my mama did that. And all this stuff that I've been reading, I just feel like it's foolish. It is foolish."

Bryant won't know for sure until the draft begins on April 22 whether NFL teams are questioning his character or believe his side of the story.

"Any teams who don't draft me who think I have background problems or any of that, you're not going to draft me because of stuff that happened in my childhood? What about now? What's been going on with Dez now? Nothing bad's been going on with Dez. Nothing at all," Bryant said.

"Whoever passes up on me, it's over with. I feel like I'm going through the same situation Randy Moss did," he added. "That man had issues and teams were passing up on him, and when he got on that field, he killed them. He murdered them. Look at him today: One of the best players in the NFL."

Until he can prove himself on the field, Bryant can only defend himself with his words.

— He said he brought six pairs of shoes to his pro day-style workout at his high school in Lufkin, Texas, and — regardless of the hubbub around his missing cleats — he was happy with his performance although "in my mind I always feel like there's room to improve."

"You know how players have their particular cleats that they want, the ones they are comfortable in? I didn't have those," Bryant said. "I'm not saying it would have made any difference. But I'm saying I didn't have those."

— He said it was "just not possible" for him to be late for a game while he was at Oklahoma State and takes issue with the suggestion that he's irresponsible.

"It ain't about my background. It's what I'm going to do for the team. It's what I'm going to bring to your team," he said. "That's what it's about."

— He even defends his decision to work out with Adam "Pacman" Jones, who was suspended for the entire 2007 season after a series of off-the-field incidents.

"Why down talk the man? The man did everything right. He's working out. He's doing good. What happened in the past was the past. That's just like anybody else. If they did something wrong, they would be looking for a second chance."

Bryant could use a second chance, too — in the eyes of his critics.

"Whenever somebody gets the wrong impression about somebody — not just me, about anybody — I don't like that at all because I just feel like that's not right," Bryant said. "Especially whenever someone goes and gets some information about this person and then goes to that person, I just feel like that is not right because it's not right.

"I've never spoke my mind. I just sit back and listen. But now I just feel like it just went too far."

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/football/cowboys/stories/040110dnspobryant.20068b5b3.html

[zrinkill]

I feel sorry for the kid ....

But he really needs to take speech classes if he plans on getting endorsement deals.

[RS12]

"What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don't think it has anything to do with me playing football."

Well it shows that on one of the most important days of his life, his focus wasn't totally where it should be. I doubt throwing millions of dollars at him solves that problem. What has this this guy had to do for the last 6 months but focus on getting ready for the draft?

[Chocolate Lab]

I feel sorry for the kid ....

I do, too.

What he and some posters need to understand is that people aren't saying he's a criminal or a scumbag or a "bad guy" at all. He might have the best heart in the world. But being a professional means you have to be responsible and dependable, and right now he doesn't show signs of being that.

[superonyx]

I actually feel sorry for him as well. I couldnt imagine having my mom bashed by the national media like that. You cant blame him for defending her...

I really dont understand the criticism of him as strongly as it is. I dont really get to excited about the draft since we usually end up drafting some lineman i never heard of. But i keep hearing what a troublemaker he is and what a bad person he is. Can someone please explain what it was he did that makes him so much worse of a person than every other player in the draft. Was it the Lie? I cant bash him too hard for that. He lied to avoid trouble. In ways i can understand that. Not condone, but understand. Has he been in legal trouble? Has he been known as a thug? I'm just not seeing the criticism.

As far as his 40 times.... He ran as fast as Larry Fitzgerald and Brandon Marshall did at their combines. Yet he out jumped both of them. Look back at past combines at the 40 times. Its not a big deal. Didnt Roy Williams run a 4.4? Its how you play. He seems to play with a lot of explosiveness. His hands dont seem to be a problem.

Now i am not completely sold on our need for a WR, but i cant seem to understand why people seem to really have it out for this guy.

It's a shame but this negative media attention actually helps our chances of getting him. I dont believe we will be able to draft him. But it will make it fun to watch.

[superonyx]

I do, too.

What he and some posters need to understand is that people aren't saying he's a criminal or a scumbag or a "bad guy" at all. He might have the best heart in the world. But being a professional means you have to be responsible and dependable, and right now he doesn't show signs of being that.

Because he brought 6 pairs of cleats but forgot the most comfortable 7th pair? It seems like people already have an agenda and the best ammo they could find to criticize was his favorite shoes.

When watching him interview he doesnt come across as unpolished. But i dont think that makes his work ethic bad. Listen to how charismatic Marry B sounds. Yet he is lazy and unmotivated. This kid seems like he plays with aggression.

[Chocolate Lab]

Because he brought 6 pairs of cleats but forgot the most comfortable 7th pair? It seems like people already have an agenda and the best ammo they could find to criticize was his favorite shoes. As if that's the only red flag on the guy? Have you read this thread or any of the other ones?

I have no agenda against Dez Bryant. Why would I?

[zrinkill]

It has to be frustrating knowing that what non athletes say about you over a few months time could cost you literally 10's of millions of dollars.

I think I would hate the press for the rest of my life. :laugh2:

[Double Trouble]

Or what if he gets around Sherman, Austin, Witten, Romo. And sees what it takes to be a professional football player.

People act like a guy can't mature. What he is in college when he is 22-23 years old is what he is going to be when he is 28-29. :rolleyes:A lot of players never do. Wishing that he isn't a major risk doesn't make it not so. At some point, his talent will be worth the gamble. I don't know where those 2 lines cross. Hope it isn't at 27.

He's made a series of bad decisions (seriously, having your name associated with Pacman in any capacity a month before the draft is just plain stupid), and evidently still is. I hope he goes on to stay out of trouble and have a great career. But if I had to wager, I'd bet against that happening.

[Chief]

What he and some posters need to understand is that people aren't saying he's a criminal or a scumbag or a "bad guy" at all. He might have the best heart in the world. But being a professional means you have to be responsible and dependable, and right now he doesn't show signs of being that.

That's it in a nutshell.

[superonyx]

As if that's the only red flag on the guy? Have you read this thread or any of the other ones?

I have no agenda against Dez Bryant. Why would I?

I meant the agenda of the national media. Not your agenda. I think they need a controversial player to talk about and criticize every draft. I guess its just his turn. I have read the post and NFL network/ESPN ect and hear all the "red flags" on the guy. But to deserve all the labels and criticism he has received i was thinking he must have really gotten into some trouble in life.

I dont like bad personality players. I didnt like pacman signing, I was against the TO signing and didnt understand the Tank signing either. So i dont have a lot of sympathy for millionaire athletes who do stupid things. But the Dez Bryant situation just doesnt seem like that. He doesnt seem like a bad person that will always get into trouble. At least not based on what info they have leaked so far. He seems like he has done well for himself considering his childhood.

So many young athletes have made some mistakes with the fame and attention they receive at such a young age. Reggie Bush was doing wrong. The media darling Labron James was driving a Hummer in high school that caused his team to forfeit some games.

[Cover 2]

I meant the agenda of the national media. Not your agenda. I think they need a controversial player to talk about and criticize every draft. I guess its just his turn. I have read the post and NFL network/ESPN ect and hear all the "red flags" on the guy. But to deserve all the labels and criticism he has received i was thinking he must have really gotten into some trouble in life.

I dont like bad personality players. I didnt like pacman signing, I was against the TO signing and didnt understand the Tank signing either. So i dont have a lot of sympathy for millionaire athletes who do stupid things. But the Dez Bryant situation just doesnt seem like that. He doesnt seem like a bad person that will always get into trouble. At least not based on what info they have leaked so far. He seems like he has done well for himself considering his childhood.

So many young athletes have made some mistakes with the fame and attention they receive at such a young age. Reggie Bush was doing wrong. The media darling Labron James was driving a Hummer in high school that caused his team to forfeit some games.
No one has said he will get in a lot of trouble. They just question his maturity and if he has what it takes mentally to be successful.

[AsthmaField]

He wouldn't forget the lesson of last year's offseason so quickly, would he?


I don't know... but Stephen sure won't. I fully believe that Stephen now has a big enough voice at Valley Ranch that he can stop Jerry from making a mistake in any personnel decision. As long as Stephen feels strongly against it, I think Jerry will go in another direction.

That's not to say that Bryant won't be picked by Dallas. Im just saying that, if Dez ends up being drafted here, then I think Stephen will have signed off on the move. And that is a good thing.

Stephen Jones is a very good football man and is only getting better. He has learned from the likes of Jimmy Johnson, Barry Switzer, Chan Gailey, Bill Parcells, and Wade Phillips. Of course, the younger Jones has learned from Jerry himself too. Yes, I think that Switzer had some positive traits that Stephen was able to observe... and he also saw some of what NOT to do with Barry.

All-in-all, I think that Stephen is going to be one hell of an owner for a long, long time. The Cowboys are in very capable hands for the next 30 or so years.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Strengths:
Excellent size with long arms --- Outstanding athlete --- Plays fast with good acceleration and a burst --- Soft hands and will make the difficult catch --- Aggressive with terrific ball skills and body control --- Fantastic leaping ability --- Strong and Physical --- Knows how to get open, separate and use his big frame --- Great agility and balance and does not go down easy --- Elusive runner with nice vision and instincts --- Is tough and not afraid to go across the middle --- Competitive --- Above average blocker --- Can also contribute as a return man --- Productive.

Weaknesses:
Immature --- Unreliable --- Just average timed speed --- Not a polished route runner --- Lapses in focus and concentration --- Must adjust to a pro style system --- Intelligence may be an issue --- Limited experience.

Notes:
Started 19 games in three seasons with the Cowboys --- A consensus All-American selection in 2008 --- Named 1st Team All-Big 12 as a wide receiver and return man in 2008 --- Honored as the Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year in 2008 --- Averaged 19.6 yards with 3 touchdowns on 22 punt returns and 23.8 yards on 6 kick returns in college ---Product of a very rough upbringing --- Was a high school All-American but struggled in the classroom, in part due to a learning disability --- Was ruled ineligible for most of the 2009 season after lying to NCAA investigators about his interactions with mentor Deion Sanders --- Rare talent with the physical tools to be a gamebreaker at the next level but shaky intangibles could threaten his ability to fulfill that promise --- Every bit as good of a prospect as Michael Crabtree was -- Potentially a true #1 target in the NFL --- Legitimate Top 10 Pick.



I dont know if hes got a good chip on his shoulder or if hes just got this problem w/ authority like Pacman.

He totally reminds me of Brandon Marshall though

[AMERICAS_FAN]

He totally reminds me of Brandon Marshall though

The last highly talented WR Dallas drafted was Antonio Bryant. The kid had all the talent in the world. If only he could get his head straight and be a professional. Dallas let him go because he could not; kid was never serious enough about listening ot his coaches and doing the little things to get his game right. Yeah, he's still a starting QB in the NFL somewhere, only you don't now where because it's not for a playoff-calliber team.

why do I bring Bryant up? It's because he's the kind of WR that Brandon Marshall reminds me of. And I'm not comparing the tamlent so much as their approach to the job. I see Dez Btryant in a similar light - multi-talented, yet consumately unprepared. In college, that may get you some highlight reels; in the NFL what it won't get you is a Super Bowl.

[casmith07]

DeMaryius Thomas has his head on much straighter than Dez Bryant.

[montgod]

If somehow we did draft Bryant I would send him to Michael Irvin for 6 weeks for training.

As far as trades go, dont be suprised if Bryant is the player we want and he's there at 21 we dont package Bennett and 27 to Cincy for 21. I know 99 percent will hate that trade and Im not for or against it, but to me that's the most likely trade situation if we do like Bryant. Hopefully, we could squeeze Cincy's 2nd round pick out of them here.

SF might have an interest in Barbar because they really don't have a back up to Frank Gore. Glen(I think thats his first name) Coffee is just maraginal. This is another team that might be a suitor for a trade up. All in all

You are joking right? If this scenario came up where Cincy was drafting, they would be jumping all over themselves since he fits their ideal criteria!

Besides that, you forget that they don't have a real #2 or potential replacement for Ocho. They signed Matt Jones for goodness sake!

[MarionBarberThe4th]

You are joking right? If this scenario came up where Cincy was drafting, they would be jumping all over themselves since he fits their ideal criteria!

Besides that, you forget that they don't have a real #2 or potential replacement for Ocho. They signed Matt Jones for goodness sake!


They signed Antonio Bryant

[superpunk]

Bryant: Pre-draft criticism has `gone too far’

By JEFF LATZKE

AP Sports Writer

EDITOR’S NOTE—This is the second installment of a periodic diary-style story from Dez Bryant that will move in the weeks leading up to the April 22 draft.

Dez Bryant is fed up. With less than a month to go before his football fate will be decided in the NFL draft, Bryant has faced a barrage of criticism from all angles.

The latest round came after his workout for NFL scouts Tuesday, his first chance to show whether he’s kept in shape after having his final college season cut short by an NCAA suspension.

Bryant had already endured questions about his integrity, stemming from the fact that he lied to an NCAA investigator about his interaction with former NFL player Deion Sanders in the offseason between his sophomore and junior seasons at Oklahoma State.

He had dealt with questions about his background, being raised by a young mother in Texas.

He had faced rumors that he skipped meetings, classes and was even late for games while at OSU.

And then, of all things, his pro day was spoiled by banter that he’d forgotten to bring the cleats he planned to wear for the workout.

“I’m not the type of person that will try to confront somebody but now I feel like it’s gone too far. It’s gone too far,” Bryant said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I ain’t never got in trouble with nobody. I never said anything. I don’t say anything wrong to nobody. I’m friendly. This here is too far.

“What do this got to do with me playing football? Even if I did forget my cleats, what do that have to do with me playing football? I don’t think it has anything to do with me playing football.”

Bryant questions why he has faced such a flurry of rumors following his college career, which came to an early conclusion just three games into his junior season. He had 87 receptions for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns and also returned two punts for scores in 2008.

He was the only 2008 Biletnikoff Award finalist to return to school last season and entered the season as the top receiver in college.

But most of the scrutiny Bryant has been facing has dealt with everything but his playing ability.

“What is this? Y’all don’t want me to go to the NFL or something? It’s going to happen,” Bryant said. “It is going to happen. God blessed me to have this ability to play this game.

“I haven’t did anything wrong to nobody.”

Bryant said he believes he has received more criticism than even players who have had run-ins with the law.

“I don’t look for trouble. I don’t find trouble or none of that stuff. I’m not a troublemaker,” Bryant said. “Just because I’ve experienced bad things, that don’t make me no bad person. That don’t make my mom a bad person. My mom overcame a lot of adversity just as well as I have.

“People change. I don’t think people understand that. People change, and I thought my mama did that. And all this stuff that I’ve been reading, I just feel like it’s foolish. It is foolish.”

Bryant won’t know for sure until the draft begins on April 22 whether NFL teams are questioning his character or believe his side of the story.

“Any teams who don’t draft me who think I have background problems or any of that, you’re not going to draft me because of stuff that happened in my childhood? What about now? What’s been going on with Dez now? Nothing bad’s been going on with Dez. Nothing at all,” Bryant said.

“Whoever passes up on me, it’s over with. I feel like I’m going through the same situation Randy Moss(notes) did,” he added. “That man had issues and teams were passing up on him, and when he got on that field, he killed them. He murdered them. Look at him today: One of the best players in the NFL.”

Until he can prove himself on the field, Bryant can only defend himself with his words.

— He said he brought six pairs of shoes to his pro day-style workout at his high school in Lufkin, Texas, and—regardless of the hubbub around his missing cleats—he was happy with his performance although “in my mind I always feel like there’s room to improve.”

“You know how players have their particular cleats that they want, the ones they are comfortable in? I didn’t have those,” Bryant said. “I’m not saying it would have made any difference. But I’m saying I didn’t have those.”

— He said it was “just not possible” for him to be late for a game while he was at Oklahoma State and takes issue with the suggestion that he’s irresponsible.

“It ain’t about my background. It’s what I’m going to do for the team. It’s what I’m going to bring to your team,” he said. “That’s what it’s about.”

— He even defends his decision to work out with Adam “Pacman” Jones, who was suspended for the entire 2007 season after a series of off-the-field incidents.

“Why down talk the man? The man did everything right. He’s working out. He’s doing good. What happened in the past was the past. That’s just like anybody else. If they did something wrong, they would be looking for a second chance.”

Bryant could use a second chance, too—in the eyes of his critics.

“Whenever somebody gets the wrong impression about somebody—not just me, about anybody—I don’t like that at all because I just feel like that’s not right,” Bryant said. “Especially whenever someone goes and gets some information about this person and then goes to that person, I just feel like that is not right because it’s not right.

“I’ve never spoke my mind. I just sit back and listen. But now I just feel like it just went too far.”

[superonyx]

The last highly talented WR Dallas drafted was Antonio Bryant. The kid had all the talent in the world. If only he could get his head straight and be a professional. Dallas let him go because he could not; kid was never serious enough about listening ot his coaches and doing the little things to get his game right. Yeah, he's still a starting QB in the NFL somewhere, only you don't now where because it's not for a playoff-calliber team.

why do I bring Bryant up? It's because he's the kind of WR that Brandon Marshall reminds me of. And I'm not comparing the tamlent so much as their approach to the job. I see Dez Btryant in a similar light - multi-talented, yet consumately unprepared. In college, that may get you some highlight reels; in the NFL what it won't get you is a Super Bowl.

Antonio Bryant was known in college as an ego maniac that had problems with his coaches and teammates. Where is this said about Dez Bryant? I dont think we need a WR as a priority. However, i dont understand how he is now being compared to Antonio Bryant or even Brandon Marshall. Brandon Marshall is another player that is always looking for a trade. He is a headache to deal with at times..... But what do you know about Dez Bryant that makes it fair for you to criticize him in the same way. I see all his teammates coming to his defense.

I'm not saying his head is on straight or he is perfect.... What i want to know is why are you assuming the worse? What do you know that i do not about him where you can say he is Antonio Bryant?

[Alexander]

However, i dont understand how he is now being compared to Antonio Bryant or even Brandon Marshall.

Although his dramatic interview to the AP was a little over the top, Dez Bryant is right. These comparisons are completely and utterly wrong.

He is nothing like Antonio Bryant, who was a free lancer who has always marched to the beat of his own drum. He would even conspire with Quincy Carter to run their own plays well before he ever threw a jersey at anyone. Marshall has been plagued by off the field issues and has a touch of the criminal element (literally) to him. Unless there is some deeper darker secret about Bryant I have not read, these are bad comparisons that really are not fair.

Is he a bit of a diva? Certainly, but there are very few elite receivers who are not.

[gmoney112]

Antonio Bryant was known in college as an ego maniac that had problems with his coaches and teammates. Where is this said about Dez Bryant? I dont think we need a WR as a priority. However, i dont understand how he is now being compared to Antonio Bryant or even Brandon Marshall. Brandon Marshall is another player that is always looking for a trade. He is a headache to deal with at times..... But what do you know about Dez Bryant that makes it fair for you to criticize him in the same way. I see all his teammates coming to his defense.

I'm not saying his head is on straight or he is perfect.... What i want to know is why are you assuming the worse? What do you know that i do not about him where you can say he is Antonio Bryant?

For what it's worth, I met Dez about 6 months ago in a setting completely away from football. He's from around here and I work at a hotel, graveyard shift. I didn't recognize him at first but as soon as I saw his ID a lightbulb went on. I didn't let on that I knew who he was at first, so he was just standing there looking around while I put in his info. As soon as I started making the keys I just said, "So, why'd you hang out with Deion and go and get yourself suspended?" and started laughing. He looked surprised and then started laughing and said he got scared at first and lied about it, then he told the truth and that was that. We joked around for a few because he's from around here and then he went up to his room.

From what I gathered in about 5-10 minutes was that he's not street or hood or anything like that. How he talked in some of those responses to the media he didn't talk like that to me. I've been around the block a few times, I'm a 22 year old college guy. He came across as intelligent/professional and I'm just hotel help. I've dealt with all kinds of people and can usually get a good feel for people on a few minutes of interaction.

Give me a Brandon Marshall and within 3 minutes I can probably conclude he's a legitimate headcase. Would I still want Dez? Not for a first round pick. I think we have more needs than a WR. I think he'll be a Pro and a good pickup for whoever drafts him, for whatever that's worth. Just my 2 cents.

[superpunk]

Although his dramatic interview to the AP was a little over the top, Dez Bryant is right. These comparisons are completely and utterly wrong.

He is nothing like Antonio Bryant, who was a free lancer who has always marched to the beat of his own drum. He would even conspire with Quincy Carter to run their own plays well before he ever threw a jersey at anyone. Marshall has been plagued by off the field issues and has a touch of the criminal element (literally) to him. Unless there is some deeper darker secret about Bryant I have not read, these are bad comparisons that really are not fair.

Is he a bit of a diva? Certainly, but there are very few elite receivers who are not.I'm glad he finally lashed out a little bit, and called the hoop-la surrounding his name what it is - ridiculous.

I think he's gonna be real good. If he falls to 27 and we pass it would be a shame, because I think he's gonna be making plays for a long time in the league. But if we were to get a great offensive lineman for the next decade, I wouldn't complain.

[Alexander]

I'm glad he finally lashed out a little bit, and called the hoop-la surrounding his name what it is - ridiculous.

The problem is the "media" and fandom alike use broad brushes because it is easy, especially when making generalizations about the WR position.

This player is this, that player is like X, etc.

The white WRs are like Welker. The black receivers with the aura of drama around them are like Moss or Owens.

It just takes a few keystrokes in Google and a little common sense for anyone to formulate a better opinion that that.

But unfortunately, it takes too much brainpower to not generalize and view as individuals.

[CIWhitefish]

The problem is the "media" and fandom alike use broad brushes because it is easy, especially when making generalizations about the WR position.

This player is this, that player is like X, etc.

The white WRs are like Welker. The black receivers with the aura of drama around them are like Moss or Owens.

It just takes a few keystrokes in Google and a little common sense for anyone to formulate a better opinion that that.

But unfortunately, it takes too much brainpower to not generalize and view as individuals.

100% right on the money. Why take the time to find out the truth.

[Gaede]

The problem is the "media" and fandom alike use broad brushes because it is easy, especially when making generalizations about the WR position.

This player is this, that player is like X, etc.

The white WRs are like Welker. The black receivers with the aura of drama around them are like Moss or Owens.

It just takes a few keystrokes in Google and a little common sense for anyone to formulate a better opinion that that.

But unfortunately, it takes too much brainpower to not generalize and view as individuals.

:hammer:

[CanuckCowboysFan]

Who thinks he'll fall to 27? Who thinks Jerry will trade up?

[Cajuncowboy]

Who thinks he'll fall to 27? Who thinks Jerry will trade up?

If we don't give up the farm, I wouldn't mind have Bryant. I think he is immediately better than Roy. And could be a long term solution for the #2 WR spot. I don't think Roy will be here past this year and maybe not past week 4.

[zrinkill]

Who thinks he'll fall to 27? Who thinks Jerry will trade up?


I do not think either ..... unless they have a deal in the works to trade Roy or Pat.

[tyke1doe]

I do not think either ..... unless they have a deal in the works to trade Roy or Pat.

RRROOTTTFFFLLLLL!!!! at your Batman and Robin picture, zrinkill.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Well done. :D

[zrinkill]

RRROOTTTFFFLLLLL!!!! at your Batman and Robin picture, zrinkill.

:lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao: :lmao:

Well done. :D

Thanks man ...... people seem to like it.

[Arch Stanton]

DCStarJEllis

Got a chance to interview Dez Bryant while he was at Valley Ranch this morning. We'll have that up on DC.com later this afternoon.

[03EBZ06]

“I ain’t never got in trouble with nobody."

College student, lol.

I don't feel sorry for him, there are many people in this world who are in worse situation than him.

Nevertheless, I hope everything works out for him.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

College student, lol.

I don't feel sorry for him, there are many people in this world who are in worse situation than him.

Nevertheless, I hope everything works out for him.

lol aint a word

and yo'ure second sentence has some type of error im not sure oh which it is



-How are people defending him being late all the time? Once 30 minutes before a game? :confused:

[Chocolate Lab]

DCStarJEllis

Got a chance to interview Dez Bryant while he was at Valley Ranch this morning. We'll have that up on DC.com later this afternoon.

Speaking of interviews, yesterday on GAC they said they thought they'd have him on the air today.

Fortunately, he won't even need his cleats.

[superpunk]

Speaking of interviews, yesterday on GAC they said they thought they'd have him on the air today.

Fortunately, he won't even need his cleats.

Dig in, CLab.

Dig in!

[Gzus]

would love to have him drop to us @ 27 but it's very doubtful. I doubt he falls past the teens and if he does he'll get snapped up by someone from 20-25, a team will trade up from the early 2nd round to get him if anything. I would love to see him here and replace RW11, but it's doubtful.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

a team will trade up from the early 2nd round to get him if anything.

My thoughts as well.

TB doesnt try and come away from the draft w/ Ndamakong Suh and Dez Bryant?

[casmith07]

If Bryant falls to 27, I hope Jerry entertains all offers to trade out. We could go from 6 draft picks to maybe 9.

The front half of round 2 is loaded with round 1 talent this year. Value over splash.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

If Bryant falls to 27, I hope Jerry entertains all offers to trade out. We could go from 6 draft picks to maybe 9.

The front half of round 2 is loaded with round 1 talent this year. Value over splash.


Another point I agree w/

Its easy to say just trade down, but another team has to be willing. And a prize like Dez Bryant at 27 is just that. And for us falling back to around 40 shouldnt hurt us too bad. In this scenario we could get a handful of the 2nd/3rd round prospects we like.

[CowboysFaninDC]

I meant the agenda of the national media. Not your agenda. I think they need a controversial player to talk about and criticize every draft. I guess its just his turn. I have read the post and NFL network/ESPN ect and hear all the "red flags" on the guy. But to deserve all the labels and criticism he has received i was thinking he must have really gotten into some trouble in life.

I dont like bad personality players. I didnt like pacman signing, I was against the TO signing and didnt understand the Tank signing either. So i dont have a lot of sympathy for millionaire athletes who do stupid things. But the Dez Bryant situation just doesnt seem like that. He doesnt seem like a bad person that will always get into trouble. At least not based on what info they have leaked so far. He seems like he has done well for himself considering his childhood.

So many young athletes have made some mistakes with the fame and attention they receive at such a young age. Reggie Bush was doing wrong. The media darling Labron James was driving a Hummer in high school that caused his team to forfeit some games.

I think you are wrong. Media doesn't create any of this. the players do themselves. He got sacked by the NCAA. he is the one who forgot his shoes. he is the one who had an average workout. he is the one who has consistently put himself in a position to be criticized.

is the amount of criticism warranted? probably not. but there is plenty there for criticism.

[Hoofbite]

If Bryant falls to 27, I hope Jerry entertains all offers to trade out. We could go from 6 draft picks to maybe 9.

The front half of round 2 is loaded with round 1 talent this year. Value over splash.

Only way I trade down is if there is a crappy team willing to give up next years 1st.

I don't think Dallas needs many picks. They just to make good picks with the ones they have.

Drafted 12 last year, Can't really see 9 picks making the team this year.

[Chris in Arizona]

Only way I trade down is if there is a crappy team willing to give up next years 1st.

I don't think Dallas needs many picks. They just to make good picks with the ones they have.

Drafted 12 last year, Can't really see 9 picks making the team this year.

Thank you!

[Doomsday101]

Only way I trade down is if there is a crappy team willing to give up next years 1st.

I don't think Dallas needs many picks. They just to make good picks with the ones they have.

Drafted 12 last year, Can't really see 9 picks making the team this year.

I agree. I would rather move up than down at this stage.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Only way I trade down is if there is a crappy team willing to give up next years 1st.

I don't think Dallas needs many picks. They just to make good picks with the ones they have.

Drafted 12 last year, Can't really see 9 picks making the team this year.Exactly my point.

But I can see them moving down picking up extra picks and working the mid rounds. Losing some of the later picks in the process.

A lot of talent in the 2nd round and we can get several. AOA, JD Walton, Golden Tate, Saffold, Ducasse etc. We could get a few of these players



But I am on the move up for Iupati bandwagon

[casmith07]

Only way I trade down is if there is a crappy team willing to give up next years 1st.

I don't think Dallas needs many picks. They just to make good picks with the ones they have.

Drafted 12 last year, Can't really see 9 picks making the team this year.

That is a good point about 9 picks making the team.

But remember, Jerry could always cut Hamlin, Roy Williams, Flozell, and let Sensabaugh walk :rolleyes:

[casmith07]

Exactly my point.

But I can see them moving down picking up extra picks and working the mid rounds. Losing some of the later picks in the process.

This is what I was leaning towards when I said get up to around 9 picks instead of 6 -- I just didn't finish my thought.

Have more stuff to move around in rounds 2-5. This is a deep draft and I think our best value is going to come in those rounds. Especially rounds 2 and 3.

[MarionBarberThe4th]

This is what I was leaning towards when I said get up to around 9 picks instead of 6 -- I just didn't finish my thought.

Have more stuff to move around in rounds 2-5. This is a deep draft and I think our best value is going to come in those rounds. Especially rounds 2 and 3.

I think around where Spikes is taken, lets say late 3/early 4, then theres a drop off.

Ill take

2 2's
3 3's
and a 5th

IDK, something in that vicinity

So lets say they get

2- Vladimir Ducasse - OL
2- AOA - DB/KR
3- JD Walton - C
3 - Mike Neal - DE
3- Brandon Spikes - ILB
5- Jordan Shipley

Not saying thats my ideal draft but I think thats what this trade down would be all about

[superonyx]

I think you are wrong. Media doesn't create any of this. the players do themselves. He got sacked by the NCAA. he is the one who forgot his shoes. he is the one who had an average workout. he is the one who has consistently put himself in a position to be criticized.

is the amount of criticism warranted? probably not. but there is plenty there for criticism.

Really? So bringing 6 pairs of cleats and forgetting his 7th is a big enough of an issue to warrant the amount of media criticism he received? Now if he forgot all of his shoes and refused to work out at all i could see the mention of his shoes..... Cant you see that the fact we heard so much about a pair of shoes as proof that the media will fish for a story with this guy?
From most people who wrote about his workout said it didnt hurt him. It seemed most feel that he worked out about how they thought we would.

And yes he lied to the NCAA and got caught. But thats where the drama starts and ends........Unless you believe these reporters that need to find stories.