Roy Williams

Dallas Morning News writer Todd Archer answers questions DCFanatic Radio today

Q: It seems like the Cowboys are planning to use Miles Austin at various positions this year, including the slot, instead of just as an outside, deep wide receiver. Is it because they have so much confidence in him or is it because they don’t quite trust Dez yet?

A: I think that’s part of it and I think a part of it is to make sure they get Austin away from situations where teams can just bracket him and follow him all over the place. And if they do, then they’ll be screwed by all the other guys they have on the field. So, I think for Bryant, you just want to have him come in and just learn one thing: maybe both outside spots as opposed to the inside where you have to read so much stuff and be on the same page.

That’s why I still think [Patrick] Crayton is still going to be around here. Maybe I’m in the minority on that one but I still think they’re keeping six wideouts. But, I think Miles’s experience, his knowing the system and his explosiveness in the slot helps him, and I think for Dez, it is better just to put him on one side so he can learn it first as opposed to having to learn all these other spots. As we found out this week, there is a lot of stuff these guys need to know.

Crayton won't have fantasy value if he stays with Dallas. Perhaps more important is that Miles will be used all over the field while Bryant could stay to one side. (Also, not much talk of Roy Williams.) Miles will be a highly-drafted WR this season.