IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant says he is the most comfortable he's been since the franchise selected him in the first round of the 2010 draft.
After improving statistically each of the last two seasons, Bryant says he expects the trend to continue in 2012.
"Each year was a learning process," Bryant said Wednesday. "It just got better and I felt like it's already much better than last year. I'm more into the film, not saying I wasn't into it the last two years."
Bryant added: "Each year I got better, from one to two, and I haven't played this year yet but I already feel much better. I'm confident in what I'm doing. When the coach calls out the play, I'm starting to have the play before he even calls it out. I'm getting better."
Cowboys wide receivers coach Jimmy Robinson has said on several occasions that Bryant has had a good off-season. However, that doesn't mean Bryant is a finished product. Robinson has been attempting to get Bryant running more consistent routes.
The goal is to have Bryant breaking down field without his opponents knowing which direction he's headed.
"He has really improved, just in the off-season work that we've done, but the proof will be in the games," Robinson said Wednesday. "He's like most of them, he's a work in progress."
He added: "We obviously like what we have in him. He did a pretty good job last year when you look at the production, and he hasn't even come close to scratching the surface."
Bryant declined to make any predictions on the type of statistical season he will have this year. He caught 63 passes for 928 yards and nine touchdowns in 2011. But he faded during some fourth-quarter stretches and did not record a single 100-yard game.
Better route running could give Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo more confidence to target Bryant in crucial situations, which would likely improve those totals significantly.
Improved strength and conditioning could also go a long way.
According to Bryant, that is also progressing, thanks in large part to Cowboys strength and conditioning coach Mike Woicik.
"I see a big change in my weight, in my strength and everything," Bryant said. "Coach Woicik's doing a great job with us. I feel way more explosive coming out of my cuts."
Woicik, who spent seven seasons with the Cowboys in the 1990s, rejoined the team last year after holding the same position with the New England Patriots. No NFL coach has won more Super Bowl rings than Woicik, who has six.
Better strength and conditioning could also help Bryant remain healthy for a longer part of the season. The 23-year-old missed time in 2011 with a quad injury and had his rookie season ended prematurely because of a broken ankle.
"Some of the game tape that I watched from last year, I wasn't really too proud of myself, and I know it's because of injuries," Bryant said. "But I feel like this year, I'm spending more time focusing on my body and making sure everything is right."
Bryant said he never thought he was 100 percent at any time last season.
"As far as my injuries, I didn't feel like they healed quick enough," he said.
If that is true, what type of numbers could Bryant produce if he was 100 percent and didn't miss any games?
Bryant again declined to make a prediction, simply saying: "I'm just going to continue working hard and see what happens."
Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota
