National Football League

WR Devin Street making noise at Cowboys' OTAs

Published May. 27, 2015 12:59 p.m. ET

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The Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant can't come to terms on a long-term contract, and Bryant remained absent as the team opened up OTAs on May 26th. Bryant's absence is not bad news for everyone. Second year wide receiver Devin Street has been receiving first-team offense reps on the outside across from Terrance Williams with Cole Beasley operating out out of the slot.

The 2014 fifth-round pick only played 150 snaps as a rookie, but he could be in line for an expanded role in 2015 even one Bryant returns to the field. Street stood out during the Cowboys' training camp last summer. After an early August practice, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones felt compelled to make a point of Street's impressive play on the practice field.

"You can't help but be impressed with No. 15," "He's what we thought he was at our third receiver," Jones said. "He's getting a lot of reps here, but he's a real exceptional route runner for a rookie."

Head coach Jason Garrett also alluded to Street's quickness and ability to create separation through his route running.

"Devin's a mature guy," coach Jason Garrett said. "And really throughout the minicamps in the spring and throughout training camp he's shown that. He's a really aware guy. He's mature as a route runner. He's quarterback-friendly.

Meaningful offensive snaps for Street may not be as far away as they seem on the surface. Bryant and Beasley are likely entrenched in their starting spots, but you can't say the same thing for Terrance Williams. After a disappointing rookie season on a per snap basis, Williams struggled to create separation again in 2014. In Pro Football Focus' receiving grade, which factors in a player's ability to get open on each passing route, Williams has finished ranked 89th and 73rd among 111 and 110 qualifying receivers, respectively.

If Street can continue to progress with another year at the NFL level and in Scott Linehan's offensive scheme, don't be surprised to see him take snaps from Williams on the outside. The nearly 6-foot-4 Street registered a 37-inch vertical at the 2014 NFL Combine, and he might already be a better red zone threat than Williams. For comparisons sake, Terrance Williams stands a little more than an inch shorter and registered just a 32.5-inch vertical at the combine.

Street didn't time well in the 40-yard dash where he ran a 4.55, but he sets up his vertical routes well and has experience making big plays down the field. In just 10 games in 2013 at the University of Pittsburgh, Street racked up 854 yards on 51 catches (16.7 ypc) while adding seven touchdowns. Over the course of his career, in 49 games, Street compiled 2,901 yards on 2012 catches (14.4 ypc) while adding 16 touchdowns. Those numbers don't usually accompany a player who is too slow to make big plays down the field.

Keep in mind, Jones traded up to select Street in the fifth round of last year's draft. He was a player that stood out with a much higher grade on their draft board than the other prospects at the time the Cowboys pulled off the move. Keep an eye on Williams' outside receiver job as the summer rolls on. Every practice that Bryant skips is another opportunity for Street to prove that he is a better option than Williams on the outside.

(h/t ESPN)

Photo Credit: Brad Barr/USA TODAY Sports

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