Position Breakdown: Wide Receivers

We’ve covered the quarterbacks and running backs thus far in the Position Breakdown series.  Today we move to the always-interesting group of wide receivers.

KEY PLAYERS

Miles Austin — Austin had a “feast or famine” year in 2010; his stats either killing or carrying fantasy teams from week to week.  Interestingly, his big games were all losses for the Cowboys.  The way Austin seemed to disappear in many games was a cause for concern among fans, but keep in mind that Jason Witten caught 94 balls and became Kitna’s primary target in the second half of the season.  Austin and Romo showed plenty of chemistry when they were together and you should have faith that will continue in 2011.  What’s more, Dez Bryant’s assumed growth will take away many of the double teams Austin faced last year.

Dez Bryant — He’s already getting star treatment from the media, so the hope is that he lives up to it on the field.  Bryant dazzled as a rookie both receiving and on special teams.  Injuries limited him and eventually ended his season in the final weeks, but what we did see was nothing short of spectacular.  Though a series of overblown personal issues plagued him earlier this offseason, things seemed to have calmed down and now he’s getting positive press from the player workouts.  Assuming he’s healthy and focused next year, it’s very possible he’ll supplant Austin as the top receiver.

Roy Williams — Of all the players who you thought would be impacted by Romo’s injury, Williams was the guy you thought would benefit most.  His past with Kitna and their expressed bond and comfort with each other led most to assume Williams’ game would go to another level.  Nothing remotely close to that happened.  Williams’ best games came playing with Romo and he became a virtual non-entity during the Kitna period.  With his infamous salary still an issue, some still speculate that he could be released once the lockout is over.  But a lack of depth behind him plus the cost of cutting his contract now as opposed to next year could easily keep him around one more year.  If nothing else, he’s still an exceptional talent for your third receiver (and fourth option if you count Witten).

DRAFT CLASS IMPACT

While sixth-round picks rarely enter the league with much job security, Dwayne Harris sounds like a lock to make the team.  He may have been the most highly-praised of the Cowboys’ draft picks and was considered a steal by draft analysts.  Even if Roy Williams is not released, there are still at least two roster spots left and Harris should take one of them.  Even if his receiving game needs development, he is also considered a favorite to take over kick and punt return duties.  If he can get  on the field at receiver, it could mean trouble for Kevin Ogletree.

FREE AGENCY POTENTIAL

With Austin and Bryant the clear starters and Williams likely returning there is little chance of Dallas bringing in a meaningful free agent.  Even with Sam Hurd probably leaving after his contract expired, there’s a solid crop of players still here with Harris, Ogletree, and prospects like Jesse Holly, Manny Johnson, and Teddy Williams.  Perhaps a veteran would be brought in if they do choose to release Roy Williams, but that would be the only scenario where its seems possible.

2011 OUTLOOK

On talent alone, the trio of Austin, Bryant, and Williams is about as good as it gets in the NFL.  Both starters have shown to be injury-prone at times, but Austin did play in all 16 games last year.  If Bryant develops both in his game and his ability to stay on the field, the Dallas passing attack could easily be as deadly as any in the league and perhaps in the history of this franchise.

If an injury does occur in the top three, Ogletree has looked like a playmaker at times in his career.  He will likely make the team due to his experience and the possibility he could be needed to play a significant role at some point.  With the rookie Harris also likely to be kept, it will come down to special teams needs to see if a sixth receiver is retained.  Holley showed some solid coverage skills last year and might hang on to fill Hurd’s shoes.  However, the rule changes to kickoffs could nullify the need.

Coach Garrett’s biggest problem next season will likely be finding ways to keep all of his guys happy and involved.  That’s a good problem to have as long as you’re not surrounded by selfish players, and so far none of these guys have shown much of that.  The jury is still out on whether Bryant will be more Michael Irvin than Terrell Owens,  but hopefully he follows the examples of his teammates.