DALLAS — Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott believes the front office wouldn't have cut receiver Dez Bryant without being aware of the talent already on the roster.
The Pro Bowl quarterback joined "The Dan Patrick Show" Wednesday and talked about the No. 1-less receiver corps Dallas will be going into training camp with in July.
"You don't make the moves that we made without knowing you've got some special receivers and some special players," Prescott said.
Prescott went on to say that free agent receivers Allen Hurns and Deonte Thompson, along with Tavon Austin acquired in a trade with the Rams, are part of a "hard to guard" veteran receiving corps that, "have already made a name for themselves," including current Cowboy Cole Beasley.
"Then we have some young guys that are going to come up," Prescott added.
The notable young player the Cowboys have is third-round receiver Michael Gallup from Colorado State. Other young guys that could surprise include sixth-round pick from 2018 Cedrick Wilson, perennial practice-squadder Lance Lenoir, and former Ezekiel Elliott teammate at Ohio State, 2017 seventh-round pick, Noah Brown.
The loss of Bryant was nonetheless a shock to Prescott, who was working out the day it happened.
Said Prescott: "I was working out and throwing the day of the news and another receiver had came in and told me. Obviously knowing there was talk and there was, not necessarily potential, but that it could happen. It was odd. Me and Dez are good friends and still continue to talk here and there. So, it was odd. He's a great player."
In terms of true shock value, Prescott had to place the retirement of tight end Jason Witten at the top of the list given he had just worked out with the 36-year-old the day before catching word he planned to retire.
"I think I was doing an event for the draft and somebody comes up to me," said Prescott, "and I'm like, 'Whoa. What? What do you mean he's retiring? We just worked out yesterday.' But then not too long after that I had a conversation with Witt and it all made sense."
For Prescott and the Cowboys front office to make sense, their young receivers and proven veterans are going to have to show out in 2018. The only receiver on the Dallas roster with a 1,000-yard season to his name is Hurns. As previously posited, perhaps the Cowboys don't need to go the route of a No.1 receiver. As long as wins are accrued and points scored and postseason berths clinched, not many will complain.
Do you feel like the Cowboys have enough at the receiver positions or do you worry that they didn't do enough to replace their veterans? Share your thoughts with Mark on Twitter @therealmarklane.
