Compared to their division rivals, the Cowboys are underwhelming at the wide receiver position. Dez Bryant is a beast, and following two injury plagued seasons, has had a tremendous training camp. Look for him to have a bounce back season. The rest of the core contributors Terrance Williams, Brice Butler and Cole Beasley are returning this season. This is great for second year sensation Dak Prescott, who has built a rapport with these guys.
Williams, Beasley and Butler all have their strengths. Williams is a good blocker and can make some big time catches, however he has been remarkably inconsistent. Butler has great size and speed but he seems to make a big highlight reel catch one play and then drop a simple pass the next. Beasley is an effective slot guy and he is great in space. The three of them are all great compliments to Dez, but this group will look rather ordinary without him.
There has been some turnover this offseason. Lucky Whitehead is no longer with the team but he was not a major contributor on the offense. He will be replaced by rookie Ryan Switzer. Switzer looks like a clone of Cole Beasley but hopefully he will provide a significant upgrade on special teams due to his return ability. It is also possible that rookie Noah Brown can make this team. He possesses intriguing size and athletic ability. In a few hours the Cowboys will finalize their 53 man roster and we will know for certain.
This group of receivers are not as dynamic as for example the Giants but I feel good about them as a unit. I am counting on a healthy Dez Bryant to put up 1300 yards and 10+ TD’s this year. I also have a good feeling that Brice Butler could have a real breakout season in 2017.
