The Dallas Cowboys are heading into minicamp with Dez Bryant still without a long term contract, but that has given Tony Romo time to work with Terrance Williams, Devin Street and Cole Beasley more in OTAs and that could be big for the season and this comes as rookies Randy Gregory, Byron Jones and La'el Collins have all impressed in camp and they could compete to start in 2015.
The Cowboys are hoping to get a deal done soon with Dez Bryant and there is a chance things could extend into training camp in July. Bryant had the franchise tag used on him and now the team is looking to work out a long term deal with the wide receiver. Bryant has shown up for offseason workouts and that could be a sign that things are progressing. According to ESPN.com, Cowboys executive VP Stephen Jones said that the team plans on making a "push" to sign Bryant before the July 15 deadline.
If Bryant doesn't sign by that point, he could hold out and continue trying to get the deal he wants, or he can sign the one year tender for just under $13 million. ESPN Dallas reported earlier in the offseason that the Cowboys were looking to get "protection" for any off the field issues with Bryant and that could be one of the main sticking points for the deal talks. Bryant being out has given Romo more time with Williams and Beasley and that could end up being very important later in the season.
The Cowboys have had a number of rookies get high praise in camp, as La'el Collins, Randy Gregory and Byron Jones have gotten good reports from Jason Garrett and the coaching staff. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Collins has been getting work at guard and tackle in OTA workouts and he could be in line to start if any injuries happen. Gregory has been playing well and he could step in for Greg Hardy if his suspension lasts multiple games. Jones was the first round pick this year and he has looked better than Morris Claiborne and could push to get behind Orlando Scandrick and Brandon Carr on the depth chart.
Bryant is one of the best receivers in the league and there is no question about that and now Romo has the chance to get more comfortable with Williams and Beasley as well as Devin Street. According to the Dallas Morning News, Street has been getting time with the starters behind Williams and Beasley with Bryant out and those reps could also be big for him. The Cowboys could use to be four deep at receiver with Bryant likely coming back soon and this experience could come in handy this year.
Romo had some praise for Williams in camp this week, saying that he has the chance to be an explosive option in the offense. Williams had some solid games last year and he put up 37 catches for 621 yards and eight touchdowns last season. The eight scores were a career best and while his other numbers were down a bit from his rookie season, he showed some major flashes of potential. Beasley signed a four-year, $13.6 million contract this offseason and he is expected to step up and be more productive. Beasley had four TDs on 37 catches last season in 16 games.