Dez Bryant

[practicesquad22]

Is there anything wrong with him?

[Shane P. Hallam]

There are some issues, but not as many as people think. In scouting circles, Dez Bryant is touted as a better prospect than Michael Crabtree last year. Size, strength, speed, Bryant has it all. Some potential weaknesses:

From the tape I've watched, his route running still needs a lot of work. He doesn't make the sharpest cuts when need be and isn't always where his QB expects. Sometimes he doesn't quite read defenses how he should, can be out of position. I also would still like to seem him do more after the catch.


That being said, it is a bit nitpicking. I liken him to a young Andre Johnson.

[practicesquad22]

thanks for the response

he reminded me of Boldin for the aggresiveness but i can see a johnson as well

[Alo]

Smarts and maturity appear to be issues. He had a couple colleges back off of recruiting him because of academic issues, and he doesn't come across all that bright in interviews. And back in September, Coach Gundy said that Bryant gets so hyped up that he runs out of energy in the second half of games.

Gundy also said that Bryant "needs to become a better team player and play as well without the ball as he does with the ball." If you're looking for it, you can spot some cases of Bryant showing minimal effort as a blocker (see 0:24 in this clip); in other spots, he shows very good effort and ability (2:50 of this clip).

One major test of Bryant's character will be whether he shows up to the Combine in peak conditioning. Based on how he looked at the skills competition, it looks like he'll manage do that - I think that puts him into the top ten.

[willspencer]

Great analysis, guys. Bryant reminds me of Crabtree coming out. I didn't think his route running was all that.....not so much of a blocker and a "me" type player (that lots of star WRs seem to be). That being said, I think his potential and abilities keep him in the top 10 on draft day.

You have to remember that most college WRs are poor downfield blockers and many of the big playmaking WRs run relatively average routes. They can get by on their physical skill sets. The smaller, less imposing WRs in college tend to be better route runners and more of a "technician" when it comes to the game. They often do all the little things right, but their ceiling isn't anywhere as high as a guy like Bryant.

[Ian]

This might be a little off-topic, but I was wondering who you guys think is the #2 WR in the draft? Obviously Bryant is #1, but there are a few guys (D. Williams, A. Benn, G. Tate) on the second tier. Has anyone seen anything from these 3 to make any of them stand out as the clear #2 in the draft? Golden Tate reminds me a lot of Hines Ward, but with a little more speed. I haven't seen enough of Williams or Benn to draw any comparisons or make an informed decision on them.

[Shane P. Hallam]

This might be a little off-topic, but I was wondering who you guys think is the #2 WR in the draft? Obviously Bryant is #1, but there are a few guys (D. Williams, A. Benn, G. Tate) on the second tier. Has anyone seen anything from these 3 to make any of them stand out as the clear #2 in the draft? Golden Tate reminds me a lot of Hines Ward, but with a little more speed. I haven't seen enough of Williams or Benn to draw any comparisons or make an informed decision on them.

Tate reminds me of Steve Smith with the Giants. Solid player who will use his body well, but I doubt he goes in the first. Shorter slower WRs just don't go that high.

Benn has the most upside of the group, but is a bit of an unknown. I'd rank him as my #2 right now mostly because I think his faults were more to do with the Illini offense and Juice Williams than his skill.

Thomas will go in the 2nd, but I find he drops too many passes for my tastes.

Few guys to toss out there:

Damian Williams, some love him, but he is relatively slow and doesn't have the best hands.

Brandon LaFell, big guy who adjusts his body well. Really could creep into the first round.