While the Dallas Cowboys have a guaranteed star in Dez Bryant, the talent around him as always been put into question. With most of the passes headed Bryant's way, the Cowboys have never had a big-named No.2 receiver. However, this season could be different as several players are looking to become the next-best Cowboys receiver next to Bryant. Cole Beasley is taking advantage of the opportunity as an early standout for Dallas.
During Bryant's hold out from OTAs and mini-camp, the remaining wide receivers got plenty of work in with Tony Romo and it is showing in training camp. According to the Dallas Morning News, Beasley is looking like a real star for the Cowboys as he prepares to potentially play multiple roles in 2015. The wide receiver is likely to earn the No.3 spot on the depth chart while also becoming the team's main punt returner, a role the Cowboys have been looking to fill.
"Any extra opportunities to get the ball in my hands. I'm definitely all for it. I've had the ball in my hands for a long time, ever since I can remember playing football. I've been running with it for a long time," Beasley said, via the team website.
Romo is a big fan of Beasley saying the wide receiver is quick and elusive with great hands that could really help him shine on the field. Beasley will be running alongside Terrance Williams and Bryant. Both Williams and Beasley got in good chemistry reps with Romo over the offseason workouts which could make both players rising stars on the field in Dallas.
Gus Johnson could be the next big thing for Dallas as he prepares to make the start in the team's first preseason game. While the Cowboys are not admitting any concern regarding the health of Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden, both players along with Lance Dunbar are not expected to play in the team's first preseason game. That leaves undrafted free agent Johnson to handle the ground game. According to Romo, the rookie could become a critical piece of the offense as he continues to prove himself in practice. If Johnson can prove to be the real deal, someone in the running back rotation could be released before the season begins.
"Gus did a good job yesterday. We had a short yardage and goal line," Romo said on KTCK-AM 1310 via The Dallas Morning News. "It's hard because you don't have live so you don't have the chance to show your ability to break a tackle, maybe get through a gap with a thud, not being a thud, it's not a tackle. I just think he showed a little bit when we were live yesterday in some of the shortage. He's got a chance."
