DMN: Cowboys position series: Bevy of playmaking options at wide receiver, tight end

[jobberone]

Cowboys position series: Bevy of playmaking options at wide receiver, tight end

rsabin@***BANNED-URL*** Published: 23 June 2014 09:09 PM

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Follow along as SportsDay's Dallas Cowboys beat writers take a simplified look at each position for America's team.

Up first is a look at the wide receivers and tight ends:

Left receiver
Quick Synopsis: The Cowboys have X, Y and Z receivers. The X, Dez Bryant, is usually isolated on one side of the field and positioned closer to the line of scrimmage, where he needs to use his strength to create separation. The Y (slot) and Z (flanker) typically line up next to each other, opposite the X receiver. So the role of the left wideout will change depending on where Bryant is deployed.

2013 review: Nearly 31 percent of the passes targeted for Bryant occurred outside the left hashmark. That’s eight percent more than the pass-catching opportunities he received outside the right hashmark. Bryant made more receptions of 20 or more yards — three — on the left side than he did over the middle or on the right side.

And throughout the season he was one of the team’s top performers, producing 93 catches for 1,233 yards and 13 touchdowns.

2014 outlook: The Cowboys are expected to give Bryant more chances as he enters the final year of his contract. New play-caller and passing game coordinator Scott Linehan likes to feature his best talent. And Bryant certainly is the Cowboys’ chief playmaker at this point. As Bryant moves further away from the off-the-field problems he experienced earlier in his career, he is showing the rest of the league he has the potential to be a star for years to come.

Depth Chart:

Outside receivers:

Dez Bryant

Terrance Williams

Devin Street

LaRon Byrd

L’Damian Washington

Chris Boyd

Jamar Newsome

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• Gosselin: Why I like Giants to win NFC East and why Cowboys aren't second
  

 

[jobberone]

I wonder who the 4,5 and possibly 6 WRs will be. Is Harris going to make the 53? Will injuries shape the roster and PS. Who projects to the PS right now?

I like the depth here although that might be a tad optimistic. Harris and Beasley have some cred but the rest are question marks.

 

[jazzcat22]

This will be one of the more interesting things to watch in TC on the WR. The DL and getting that rotation set is one, the development and to see who can step up at LB is another, same for S.

But the WR position, seems there can be some good competiton for that 5th, and see if they will keep a 6th. Are we fooling ourselves into thinknig any of these will be an impact or not. Or are we just hoping they will. Anyway it's the deepest competition at WR we had for years, so it seems.

We know Dez, TWill are the starters. Harris and Beasely have the inside for the 3rd & 4th spots, or do they really? I think Street makes the team, takes TWill's spot and plays from last years spot.

Harris for his ST's and return duties. Unless someone steps up and takes that away, with a better outlook for a future WR that can contribute more. And a defensive player takes over the ST's play. But that is a tall order.

I like Beasley, like what been written and how Linehan has used him in the OTA's, but what does that really mean at this point, has to mean something good, or to see what he can do expanding on last years accomplisments. I think if one of the rookies shows something, his spot could still be taken. If they keep 5 I can't see keeping 2 rookies though. If they keep 6, then Beasely stays and they can keep 2 rookies. This is the best option I think.

Dez, Twill, Beasley, Harris, all with the experience and keep the continuity. Street, then either Byrd, Washington or Boyd. With either Boyd or Washington going to the PS, or both if Byrd is kept. Depending on Washington's shoulder, he can be a PUP / IR candidate. I actually wouldn't mind that, we retain him, Boyd to PS if he doesn't make the team. Protect at least one potential future WR.

 

[Seven]

Cowboys and 'bevy'.

Weird, huh?

 

[BigStar]

I like Beasley, like what been written and how Linehan has used him in the OTA's, but what does that really mean at this point, has to mean something good, or to see what he can do expanding on last years accomplisments. I think if one of the rookies shows something, his spot could still be taken. If they keep 5 I can't see keeping 2 rookies though. If they keep 6, then Beasely stays and they can keep 2 rookies. This is the best option I think.

I agree about with your post but specifically this point above. Beasley is likely a lock, but he shouldn't be given his limitations. It would be great to have a Welker clone but this team didn't use him all that much last season as he manned the slot for Miles. He does have an energy about him and does look to be a playmaker so I'm not pushing him off the roster by any means but must show he is head and shoulders above the youngins.

39/368 2 TDS aren't "great numbers" that guarantee a roster spot. Maybe get a 7th for him if the team is too stacked @ the position. Harris seems to have more value as a ST player/returner and would be hard for me to see the team cut bait. I guess what I'm saying is don't cut a potential "prototype" threat on the outside for a niche player, unless that player is truly special (Percy Harvin, Reggie Bush, etc.)

 

[xwalker]

I agree about with your post but specifically this point above. Beasley is likely a lock, but he shouldn't be given his limitations. It would be great to have a Welker clone but this team didn't use him all that much last season as he manned the slot for Miles. He does have an energy about him and does look to be a playmaker so I'm not pushing him off the roster by any means but must show he is head and shoulders above the youngins.

39/368 2 TDS aren't "great numbers" that guarantee a roster spot. Maybe get a 7th for him if the team is too stacked @ the position. Harris seems to have more value as a ST player/returner and would be hard for me to see the team cut bait. I guess what I'm saying is don't cut a potential "prototype" threat on the outside for a niche player, unless that player is truly special (Percy Harvin, Reggie Bush, etc.)

The goal should be to get the roster to the point that they have more good players than roster spots.

Niche players are going to tend to be on the bubble every year. Beasley might be a big contributor this year or he could have minimal impact if Escobar and Dunbar get a lot of receptions. I could see Dunbar end up performing the same duties that Beasley has performed in the past. On the flip side, Dunbar might get injured and do nothing.

 

[Future]

The goal should be to get the roster to the point that they have more good players than roster spots.

Niche players are going to tend to be on the bubble every year. Beasley might be a big contributor this year or he could have minimal impact if Escobar and Dunbar get a lot of receptions. I could see Dunbar end up performing the same duties that Beasley has performed in the past. On the flip side, Dunbar might get injured and do nothing.

Idk about that, i don't think they are going to line Dunbar up in the slot.