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It's a given that the Cowboys will boast one of the league's top passing offenses and Tony Romo will be a top quarterback, but there's been very little interest in Roy Williams in fantasy drafts. That should now change.
With Dez Bryant slated to miss 4-6 weeks with a high ankle sprain, the prospect of Williams losing his starting job in the preseason is now over. The Cowboys say the injury occurred at the end of practice, but perhaps it happened while Bryant was carrying Williams' bags, which the veteran had deviously filled with rocks.
Regardless, Bryant -- who barely played at Oklahoma State last season after a suspension -- will likely miss the entire preseason. If the six-week estimate proves accurate, he's not even certain to be active for week 1.
It's depressing, but on the bright side, it might help owners in dynasty leagues get Bryant with a slightly later pick. Some owners see an injury of any kind and shy away. Although Bryant's early rookie production will be ratcheted back, he should be fully healthy at some point in September and perhaps ready to kick Williams out of the starting lineup by midseason.
Depending on how much you trust the Cowboys' passing offense, you could theoretically spend a pair of mid- to late-round picks on Williams and Bryant, plugging the starter in as a No. 3 wideout during the season. If they fall late enough in drafts, that is.
It's disappointing for those of us who were high on Bryant, including those of us counting on him in a no-transaction league. Still, a slow start doesn't mean he won't be in the lineup and starring by midseason. It's just not as likely as it was a few days, much to the good fortune of Williams.
--Andy Richardson
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Posted by Matthew Kenerly | Jul. 31 at 12:26 AM
I drafted Williams last year, when he was supposed to be the #1 guy on the team, and now you think he's worth drafting as the #2 guy in Dallas? Thanks, but no thanks.
Posted by ANDY RICHARDSON | Jul. 31 at 12:43 AM
I am in no way shape or form recommending targeting Williams. But this is a guy currently being selected as the 58th wideout (according to MockDraftCentral's ADP rankings), down with guys like Bernard Berrian and Nate Washington. He's an overrated legend in his own mind who will no doubt be replaced by Bryant once he's healthy and picks up the offense. Still, he'll probably be a starter during the season's first month at least and rates a slightly higher pick than he's currently getting. Your point is noted, however; Williams had the same opportunity a year ago and flopped, so it's no given he'll take advantage of Bryant's injury now.
Posted by KEVIN WEAKLAND | Aug. 01 at 06:56 AM
It all depends on if the man can solve his problem with dropping passes. He gets open and he fights for the ball well; he just has had bad hands. If he fixes that problem he'll be a top 30 WR if not he'll be valued some place around 45 - 55