Kevin Ogletree of the Dallas Cowboys Is a Legitimate Fantasy Football Starter

Every fantasy owner is looking for the next Victor Cruz or, in the case of the Dallas Cowboys, the next Laurent Robinson. Could Kevin Ogletree be the answer?

I say yes, and here’s why.

Injuries

The first and most obvious reason is injuries.

Throughout last season and this preseason, the Cowboys' wide receivers (Witten included) have not been able to stay healthy.

Miles Austin missed six games last season. Dez Bryant has only missed four games in his short career but hasn’t played a full season in his two years with the Cowboys. Plus, his off-the-field issues can always cause other problems for fantasy owners.

Then, there’s Jason Witten.

Although he’s maintained relatively healthy, a lacerated spleen is a very serious injury. While he did play last night, he was mainly ineffective. I don’t doubt Witten’s ability to play through pain, but he may continue to no-show until he is completely healthy. He was only targeted three times last night and finished with two receptions for 10 yards.

Since Romo averaged 32.625 passes per game last season and threw 29 passes against the Giants on Wednesday, there are plenty of opportunities for Ogletree to succeed and be a successful fantasy starter.

Also, since Austin’s hamstring still isn’t fully healthy, I believe he will eventually miss time this season, allowing Ogletree to crack the starting lineup and boost his stock even more.

Ogletree’s Intelligence

I noticed last night that when Romo was under pressure, he found Ogletree open on many plays. Ogletree’s first touchdown happened because he realized Romo needed to get rid of the ball. He stopped his route, read Romo’s eyes and faded away from his defenders into the end zone.

By getting open and providing an option for Romo under pressure, Ogletree can steal some receptions from other receivers.

Since Witten was mostly ineffective, Romo looked to Ogletree as his safety blanket. If that continues to occur, Ogletree owners will reap the benefits week after week.

If you have the opportunity to pick up Ogletree, I would jump on it, especially if you don’t have to drop a starter from your team. Don't wait because you may not get another chance if you miss him now.

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