NFL Showdown Dez Bryant vs. Roy Williams: Who Wins the Fight?

As training camps throughout the NFL get underway, rookies find themselves submitting to self-deprecating tasks at the behest of veterans.

There is one rookie who simply isn’t having any of it.

Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Dez Bryant made headlines Sunday by refusing to carry a veteran’s pads during practice.

The veteran was none other than Roy Williams, who figures to spend much of training camp trying to fend off Bryant from stealing his starting wide receiver spot.

Now that there is some pre-fight chatter, let’s take a closer look at one of the biggest heavyweight position battles in NFL Training Camps this season:

Age and Experience

Roy Williams has played plenty of snaps during his seven-year career. His experience will be a key factor as he tries to hold off the fairly inexperienced Dez Bryant.

Williams might have experience, but his chemistry with Cowboys’ quarterback Tony Romo hasn’t exactly distinguished him from his fellow receivers.

Romo and Williams connected just 39 times last season, but did develop a good relationship in the red zone.

After hailing in just one touchdown pass in 2008-2009, Williams caught seven touchdowns from Romo last season.

Bryant saw plenty of double-coverage during his career at Oklahoma State, but didn’t face a great deal of talented, physical defensive backs.

He needs time to learn.

Decision: Williams

Size

At 6'3", 215, Williams has an advantage against most defensive backs in the NFL. His size and use of a lethal stiff arm makes him difficult to tackle in the open field.

Bryant isn’t as tall as Williams, but he is a physical player with good strength. His ability to break tackles made him absolutely lethal with the ball in his hands at Oklahoma State.

Williams has ideal size and figures to get plenty of targets in the red zone, even if he loses his starting job.

Decision: Williams

Speed

Bryant’s 40 times during Oklahoma State’s pro day weren’t overly impressive. He was clocked at 4.52 twice and also ran a 4.68 into the wind.

But the game film tells a different tale.

Bryant’s propensity for big plays in Stillwater provided a showcase for dynamic open field moves and legitimate breakaway speed.

Williams has never been a burner, but in recent years he appears to have slowed down considerably. He has struggled to gain separation from coverage in the last two seasons and is no longer a huge big-play threat.

Decision: Bryant

Production

Williams averaged just under 40 yards per game last season with the Cowboys. His seven touchdowns certainly enhanced his value, but he will need bigger production next season in terms of receptions and yards.

Bryant’s collegiate numbers were gaudy to say the least.

His sophomore campaign at Okie State was simply historic. He tallied 87 receptions for 1,480 yards and 19 touchdowns.

However, he accomplished those numbers against the Big 12’s inferior defensive backs.

In the right situation, both players are capable of producing. Williams has experience and should be able to find the holes in zone defenses and flourish in the red zone.

Bryant figures to be used as a deep threat early in his career while he gets used to the NFL’s bump-and-run coverage.

Decision: Draw

Attitude and Intangibles

Both Bryant and Williams have displayed a tendency to say and do stupid things.

Williams has never had a great relationship with Tony Romo, and has voiced his displeasure regarding his limited role in the offense on numerous occasions.

His complaints have hurt his standing in the Cowboys organization and done little to increase his targets from Romo.

Bryant has also had his share of difficulties.

He lost his eligibility early in his junior season after working out with Deion Sanders. After declining to work out at the NFL’s Scouting Combine, he forgot his cleats on Oklahoma State’s Pro Day.

These transgressions aren’t overly serious, but clearly established a pattern of silly behavior that perhaps led to him dropping down the draft board in April.

Decision: Draw

Motivation and Desire to Succeed

This is where it gets interesting.

Williams’s performance during the last three seasons suggests that he might be on the decline. But at 28, his struggles could be due more to a lack of motivation than a lack of skills.

That all changed when the Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant.

Williams came into camp in good shape and appears to be intent on holding off Bryant as the season approaches.

Meanwhile, Bryant has plenty of reasons to be motivated.

From his drop on draft day to accusations of being a wide receiver Diva, Bryant has plenty of inspiration to pursue greatness as a rookie.

Expect both players to be at their best as the seasons draws closer.

Decision: Draw

The Final Decision

The emergence of Miles Austin last season solidified one of the Cowboys’ wide receiver spots.

The second spot is likely to come down to Williams and Bryant.

Based on the minor decisions, Williams holds a 2-1 edge over the rookie.

In the end, both players figures to have a huge roles this season. Miles Austin is likely to draw double-teams throughout the season and Jason Witten appears to be at least slightly on the decline.

That leaves plenty of opportunities for touches for the No. 2 and No. 3 receivers.

Barring a huge surge by Bryant and slump by Williams, the Cowboys will likely go with experience at the beginning of the season.

That means Roy Williams.

But as the season progresses, Bryant should see an increased role. His ability to beat bump-and-run coverage will be pivotal in determining his playing time.

The battle between Williams and Bryant certainly will be interesting to monitor when the season gets underway.