7 Greatest Dallas Cowboys players of the 21st century

4. Dez Bryant – WR

With their first selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Cowboys decided to take a chance on former Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant. The risk eventually proved to be worth it as Bryant developed into one of the best receivers to ever put on a Dallas uniform. Which says a lot considering the Cowboys have had their fair share of talented pass catchers play for them including Michael Irvin, Drew Pearson and Bob Hayes.

Bryant began to come into his own during his third season with Dallas in 2012. That year, he finished with 92 catches for 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns. Somehow, Bryant’s production in 2012 didn’t result in him getting invited to the Pro Bowl.

However, the Cowboys receiver followed up his performance that season with another impressive campaign in 2013 and he ended up getting his first-ever spot in the Pro Bowl. Bryant continued his high level of play in 2014, which is likely his best year in Dallas. That season, he finished with 88 catches for 1,320 yards and a league-leading 16 touchdowns.

Not only did Bryant earn his second-straight trip to the Pro Bowl in 2014, but his performance also resulted in his one and only First-Team All-Pro selection. He would go on to play for another three seasons for the Cowboys and get another Pro Bowl nod in 2016.

In eight years with Dallas from 2010-17, Bryant hauled in a total of 73 touchdowns. That total is good enough to still be the most of any player to ever play for the Cowboys.