When you’re new to something, it’s always good to have an elder presence around to show you the way.
That goes for anything in life, whether it be your typical 9-5 desk job or cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys.
The Cowboys secondary is young. Very young. With at least two rookie cornerbacks expected to make the roster and a second-year corner being depended on greatly in Anthony Brown, the Cowboys feature some serious “pups” in their back end.
But, luckily for those pups, they have to face a seasoned dog each and every day at practice. That dog, is Dez Bryant.
The seventh year receiver out of Oklahoma State, Dez Bryant has enjoyed a great amount of success thus far in his career, and has learned how to win along the way. Now as the veteran of this young Cowboys team, he seems to embracing his leadership role.
Even if that leading is by example, and by bullying these young corners a bit.
Dez spoke with DallasCowboys.com’s David Helman yesterday about this young secondary, and gave a fantastic quote.
Dez Bryant likes what he's seen from the Cowboys' rookie DBs to this point. pic.twitter.com/KWm0oHgxqQ
— David Helman (@davidhelman_) May 31, 2017
To hear points like these straight from Bryant’s mouth is exciting, especially considering how competitive he tends to be on the field. For Bryant to go after these young corners day in and day out is important for their growth as football players, as they will rarely have to cover more talented players than Bryant on Sundays.
As the pads come on and the season gets closer, it will be interesting to see which corners go right back at Dez Bryant, and which ones shy away.
I think it’s safe to say that the way they respond to, and cover Dez Bryant in practice, will go a long way in deciding who gets to start week one when Odell Beckham Jr. comes to town.
As much as I agree with you, I believe Beasley and Witten present similar challenges that will help these rookies get up to NFL speed quicker than usual. Having to face the Patriots the first time is a shock, but with Beasley and Gathers, they can simulate a lot of what they will see. That’s huge. Witten’s savvy will keep them honest and not as sussepitable to double-moves and subtle deceptions.