Michael Irvin: Dallas Cowboys’ Dez Bryant Will be NFL’s Best Receiver
When Dez Bryant was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft, no one doubted that he could become the NFL’s best receiver. However, not many expected him to accomplish that due to his off-field issues. On Thursday, the Cowboys’ most legendary receiver spoke out to make Bryant’s future clear to all doubters. Hall of Famer Michael Irvin said Bryant will be the NFL’s best receiver.
“I thought Dez made great strides this year on the football field,” Irvin said. “He has a lot of room to continue to grow, but he made great strides. When Dez really locks it all in, understands it, Dez will be the best receiver in the NFL.”
At certain times during the 2011 season, it certainly looked like Bryant was in the discussion of the NFL’s best receiver. He wears No. 88 in honor of Irvin, who endorses Bryant as the ‘next big thing’ in Dallas. Bryant made acrobatic, leaping catches over defenders in the end zone on multiple occasions this year, displaying allusions of the kind of play that earned Irvin the nickname “The Playmaker”.
Bryant’s hands are some of the best in the NFL. He posted the lowest drop rate among all NFL receivers in 2011, dropping only one pass while catching 63. That’s even better than the Arizona Cardinals’ Larry Fitzgerald, who has long owned the title of the best hands in the NFL.
Bryant’s sheer playmaking ability is almost unrivaled in the NFL, but his inconsistency masks the elite quality of his play. At times, it seemed as if Bryant disappeared in games after making a tremendous touchdown grab or two.
If the Oklahoma State product is to reach his full potential, it will require a healthy body and attitude. Bryant has yet to play a full 16-game season in his short NFL career while his morale and work ethic are constantly questioned by critics. Fixing those problems would lead to much greater numbers than the 63 receptions, 928 receiving yards and nine touchdowns he posted in his sophomore season.
Irvin, for one, believes it’s not a question of “if” but “when” Bryant gets to that point in his career. The Cowboys could desperately use an Irvin-like Bryant in 2012 after yet another disappointing season in 2011. The Playmaker believes in Bryant, but it will take consistent, elite performances on the field for the rest of the football world to follow suit.
Follow Jeric Griffin on Twitter @JericGriffin
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