Dallas Cowboys: Who Will Be Roy Williams' Replacement in the Receiving Corps?

There's nothing to get you back in the football mood like a changing of the guard. Roy Williams is now out of the equation in Dallas, but who will take his place on the depth chart?

Of course I'm not talking about the No. 2 spot, as that was essentially Dez Bryant's midway through last season, but the third receiver spot is wide open with Williams' departure.

Will one of the Cowboys' young players step up, or will they look to get someone on the cheap in free agency? Let's take a look at some of their in-house options.

Kevin Ogletree

In limited action, Ogletree has flashed a bit of potential, mostly in his rookie season. He has experience returning kicks, but never really showed much flash in that area.

He regressed a bit last season, seeing less playing time with the addition of Dez Bryant to the receiving corps. Ogletree has good speed and could be a good slot receiver in the Cowboys' offense though.

There are some rumors he didn't give the same effort in 2010 after earning a roster spot as an undrafted free agent in 2009. With a bit more playing time though, he could be a factor on game day.

Sam Hurd

A special teams captain, Hurd never seemed to take the next step in the passing game. It is fair to point out that he was never given many opportunities though.

Hurd is useful to the team on special teams, but will likely want a pay raise this season. Given that the Cowboys didn't offer him a tender before the lockout, it would be unlikely that they want to keep him around for the price he is looking for.

Still, he has shown he can step in occasionally if needed. I'm just not sure that's all the Cowboys need in their third receiver.

Manuel Johnson

A regular practice squad player, Johnson saw limited action toward the end of the 2010 season. The Oklahoma product seems like a long shot to take the third receiver spot, but if it comes down to a camp battle, he might have a chance.

Johnson doesn't have top-end speed and his routes aren't all that polished. The lack of OTA's and minicamps will hurt him in that respect, but he may be ready to step up in his third year.

Teddy Williams

Williams entered training camp last season as a defensive back, but stayed on as a receiver instead. Being a former track star, the Cowboys are intrigued by his great speed.

He has the prototypical size of a receiver at 6'3" and 200 lbs., but he is by far the most raw receiver the Cowboys have. Williams has managed to keep a roster spot because of his physical talents, but if he doesn't show improvement in camp this year, he likely won't get a roster spot, much less the third receiver spot.

Jesse Holley

Another player who saw action due to injures last season, Holley has managed to find a niche as a special teams player.

Despite his reality show origins, Holley does have good physical tools. If it comes down to a training camp battle, he may be able to beat out some of the other players for the third receiver spot.

Dwayne Harris

The Cowboys' sixth-round draft choice this year, Harris will get to show what he has to offer in camp this year. Again though, the lack of OTA's and minicamps will hurt him.

Harris is a big, physical receiver who prefers to run defenders over. He excels at catching short in routes across the middle and using his bruising style to gain yards.

He doesn't have great speed or height, but he can return kicks and loves to catch passes across the middle, which is something your third receiver must do.

If he does become the Cowboys' slot receiver, look for them to get him the ball on bubble screens and let him get out in space to take advantage of his power running style.

Lyle Leong

Leong is second in Texas Tech history in career receiving touchdowns with 32. He has a knack for catching the fade route due to his leaping ability and sure hands.

Leong was recently added as an undrafted free agent, but he has speed and good hands, something you look for in a slot receiver.

If I had to pick an undrafted player to make the team this year, it would be him. He might not take the third receiver spot this year, but Leong has skills, and that might be enough to keep him around until he does.