Cowboys: Who is making the 53-man cut?
By Reid Hanson
Aug 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) gestures in conversation during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers in a preseason NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Receivers (5)
Dez Bryant
Cole Beasley
Lucky Whitehead
Obviously the top three spots, Bryant, Williams, and Beasley are all roster locks. After a slow start to training camp, Devin Street flashed brightly on the stage in San Diego and that carried over to practice.
Devin Street had this to say about taking the next step in his development,
"“It’s always been one of my goals, especially being an underrated guy, Devin Street said. “A fifth round draft pick, a two star recruit coming out of high school, stuff like that. I always had to focus on technique, and the little things, so that was the driving force since high school from the get-go. It really doesn’t matter what you do or say off the field. What matters is once they turn that film on, that’s pretty much how you’re judged at this level.”"
Head coach Jason Garrett has all but assured Street of a roster spot and had these positive things to say about the 2nd year receiver,
"“Street is doing a good job,” Garret said. “He continues to show up every day. I think he’s developed as a receiver. He came back this year after being in our offseason program, quicker, stronger, faster. He’s doing a better job at catching contested balls and I think he’s doing a better job at getting away from defenders.”"
Cole Beasley has expressed a willingness to play the outside, but given his physical stature, neither he nor Lucky are very optimal there. This leaves the Cowboys only three receivers capable of playing the two outside receiver positions, making Devin Street the primary backup at both X and Z.
By Devin Street proving to be a capable X and/or Z receiver, Beasley can stay where he’s at his absolute best – the slot. Obviously Plan A for the Dallas Cowboys is to keep Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams healthy all season, but Devin Street’s progression provides a solid Plan B should an injury arise.
This leaves likely only one opening at receiver for the Cowboys and Lucky Whitehead seems to be running away with the job.
Next: The Offensive Line