ARLINGTON, Texas — Stress levels at the Cowboys' Valley Ranch facility would plummet if Kevin Ogletree would simply live up to his potential.
Ogletree's obviously got talent, otherwise he wouldn't still be in the Cowboys' locker room for a fourth year after making just 25 catches – and no touchdowns – in his first three seasons.
"Kevin is very capable, both as an inside receiver and an outside receiver," Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. "I think we've seen a lot of that throughout our off-season program, we just need to see more of that when we get into training camp."
The Cowboys don't need Ogletree to be a flashy outside receiver. They've already got Miles Austin and Dez Bryant to handle those roles.
They simply need Ogletree to be what Laurent Robinson was: a reliable veteran. Not a guy who can make a big play once in a while, but a guy who can make play after play after play.
It was Robinson who took the No. 3 receiver job away from Ogletree last season. The job was Ogletree's to win but Robinson, signed just before the season started, simply outperformed him.
Robinson caught 54 passes for 11 touchdowns and became a favorite of quarterback Tony Romo – and the fans. Robinson's impact was such that it was deemed a real blow to the offense when Robinson signed a fat free agent contract with Jacksonville this off-season.
While Robinson's season was a setback for Ogletree, it also serves as motivation. Robinson proved that even a No. 3 receiver can make a big impact with productivity.
"I think it's a spot that needs to be filled," Ogletree said during the last mini-camp. "It's voided now and it's a really important spot, especially seeing what Laurent did."
Some fans probably want to see the spot filled by disgruntled Vikings receiver Percy Harvin, who recently made a trade demand.
It's even been suggested that the Cowboys offer Bryant for Harvin, even though there are a number reasons why that won't happen. One being that it would leave the Cowboys with a hole at outside receiver.
If Ogletree can be what Robinson was in 2011, the impatience over Bryant's maturity and Austin's health will be lessened greatly.
Ogletree, who stands 6-2 just like Robinson, has helped himself by making on a few more pounds of muscle this off-season.
Asked why he added the muscle, Ogletree reeled off the names of the Cowboys' cornerback, starting with free agent prize Brandon Carr. He wants to compete better in practice, so he can get a chance to compete in games.
"Kevin, like a lot of young players who haven't played that much, really what you're looking for is consistency," Garrett said. "Day in and day out, play in and play out, being the guy that you can count on."
When plays broke down last season, Romo could count on Robinson finding a way to get open and make himself a good target. But even when plays didn't break down, Robinson hustled to be in the right spot.
The Cowboys know Ogletree is big, strong and fast. But can he be counted on every down? Coordinators don't design a lot of plays for third receivers, but when they're needed, they have to deliver. The only way to do that is with consistency.
"He's done a really nice job of growing in that area," Garrett said. "He just has to continue to take advantage of the opportunities he gets to prove to us that he's capable of being that third wide receiver."
If Ogletree can prove it on his fourth go-round, a lot of people at Valley Ranch will be breathing easier this fall.
Follow Keith Whitmire on Twitter: @Keith_Whitmire
