What a Catch: Dallas Cowboys Draft Dez Bryant at No. 24 in First Round

Former Cowboys’ receiver Michael Irvin said Jerry Jones told him prior to the draft that he “wasn’t going to sit pat at where we are now (no. 27 in the first round),” but rather he wanted to make a splash.

Jerry kept his word.

It took a trade out with the New England Patriots to leap frog to No. 24 from No. 27, but Dallas made the aggressive move to secure Oklahoma State receiver Dez Bryant. 

It was a small price to pay for such value; Bryant was a Top 10 talent and arguably the top-rated offensive skill-position player in the draft.

Considering what relatively little Dallas gave to acquire Bryant, his value and potential should mitigate any concerns over the risk he presents.

Dallas now has on paper what looks to be a one of the league’s most lethal passing attacks.

Miles Austin should continue to resume the role as the team’s No. 1 wideout.  Roy Williams (speculation aside) will assume the role of the league’s highest paid no. 2 receiver. Patrick Crayton is the incumbent slot receiver, but may be pushed by promising second-year receiver Kevin Ogletree. Sam Hurd may be the odd man out. 

Bryant figures to fit in somewhere in that rotation.   

Quarterback Tony Romo threw for a career high and franchise record 4,483 yards in 2009. NFC East rivals and the rest of the league may be quivering in their cleats.

Look for offensive coordinator Jason Garrett to devise plays where Bryant is the go-to receiver as he did with Ogletree on occasion last season. He could also incorporate three or four receiver sets that would get Bryant on the field.

Bryant will have the luxury of being refined by one of the league’s best receivers coaches in Ray Sherman. Sherman should be able to hone Bryant’s considerable skill set and allow him to work himself into the offense.

The Cowboys official online pro shop is already selling Dez Bryant #88 jerseys .