Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys upgraded their wide receiver depth in the 2013 NFL Draft, using the 74th overall selection on Baylor’s Terrance Williams. With little in terms of proven options beyond Dez Bryant and Miles Austin, the rookie could step into a prominent role as Dallas’ No. 3 wide receiver right away. Recent speculation from Jean-Jacques Taylor of ESPN Dallas.com confirms that, suggesting Williams is virtually locked into that role over Dwayne Harris.
Williams led the country in receiving yards in 2012 with 1,832, along with 97 receptions (11th in the country) and 12 touchdowns (tied for eighth in the country). His timed speed at the NFL Combine was not great (4.52 40-yard dash time), but Williams is absolutely a vertical deep threat that can contribute that element to the Cowboys’ offense immediately while he works to refine the rest of his game.
There had been some speculation about Austin being released this offseason, but a restructuring of his contract has postponed that possibility for at least another year. He did play all 16 games in 2012 despite various injuries, and his lackluster production over the last two seasons (4.1 receptions per game) can be attributed to recurring hamstring issues, but Austin is clearly facing a make-or-break season in 2013.
Bryant and tight end Jason Witten are the top two options in the Cowboys’ passing offense, but if Tony Romo throws the ball as much as did in 2012 (648 pass attempts; third-most in the league) there will be plenty of opportunities to go around. Austin had 66 receptions for 943 yards last season despite being less than 100 percent healthy at times, and if he is bothered again by injuries Williams may be able to get some of that production.
Williams is not likely to be draftable in anything other than the deepest dynasty leagues, but with injuries hampering both Bryant and Austin during their careers greater opportunity is not out of the question at some point during the season. Surely the rookie is much more talented than Laurent Robinson, who had 54 catches for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2011 as Dallas’ No. 3 wide receiver when Bryant and Austin combined to miss seven games.
Brad Berreman is a contributing writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter @bradberreman24.
