Impact Analysis: Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys

June 12, 2009 @ 12:01:06

By John Kotch Jr.
Edited by Tim Heaney

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin initially came to the team during the last year of former head coach Bill Parcells' tenure. Parcells has ties to the East Coast and signed Austin as an undrafted free agent out of Monmouth University in New Jersey. The FCS-based Monmouth isn't nationally known for its football program, but Parcells saw in Austin an extremely raw but physically gifted athlete.

Austin stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 216 pounds. He ran track in high school and excelled in the 100-meter dash while also competing in long jump and javelin throwing. He was invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, where he ran a 4.51 40-yard dash and bench pressed 225 pounds 21 times.

Playing behind marquee players in his first three years in Dallas, along with some injuries, has impeded Austin's development. He has compiled only 18 catches and three touchdowns in three seasons as a pro. During the preseason in 2008, Austin looked like he may have been on the verge of breaking out, but he suffered a knee injury in the second preseason game and wasn't the same for the rest of the year.

Durability is one of the main questions surrounding Austin in 2009. However, aside from a current minor hamstring strain, Austin is now healthy, and with former Cowboys and current Buffalo Bills wide receiver Terrell Owens gone, the way is clear for Austin to at least have a shot to win the No. 2 receiver position opposite the Cowboys' No. 1 man, wide receiver Roy Williams.

Williams arrived in Dallas from Detroit in mid-2008 via a trade that many thought was excessive on the part of Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. Williams has all the physical attributes general managers covet but thus far hasn't quite lived up to his draft status. The Cowboys have a lot riding on Williams and are counting on him to step up and prove to be that league-leading ace receiver for which they gave up a first-, third- and sixth-round draft pick. In the event Williams disappoints, as many believe to be a distinct possibility, Austin, if he can stay healthy, could wind up playing a more pivotal role in the Cowboys offense.

Jones thinks very highly of Austin, enough to offer him a one-year tender offer worth $1.545 million. The New York Jets thought enough of Austin to take a serious look at him during the offseason, but ultimately passed, reluctant to give up a second-round pick for a player who has yet to prove himself. 

The Cowboys' No. 2 wide receiver spot has been designated as Patrick Crayton's job to lose, but Jones and Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips are really hoping to see Austin finally realize his potential and replace Crayton as the Z receiver. Crayton has proven himself as a solid No. 2 receiver with very reliable hands, but he is much more effective in the slot.

Crayton has been manning the No. 2 wide receiver spot with the first team in recent OTAs. Phillips likes Crayton and has intimated that Austin winning the job away from Crayton will be no easy task. However, although Crayton may have a leg up on Austin in the area of experience, consistency and durability, Crayton, 30, is not very fast, and his talent level has likely flat-lined, whereas Austin, soon to be 25, has excellent speed and is still considered to have upside. 

Austin winning the No. 2 spot would provide the Cowboys with the perfect complement to Williams, who is a big, strong possession receiver. They would have a player to step in and fill the void of a speedy deep threat that the Cowboys haven't had since wide receiver Terry Glenn was released. Now with the departure of Owens as well, the Cowboys are pinning their hopes on Austin to give them a defense-spreading, field-stretching receiver. This would in turn open up opportunities underneath for Williams, Crayton, All-Pro tight end Jason Witten, and dynamic running back Felix Jones. 

Fantasy football outlook

With the departure of Owens, both Austin and Crayton are likely to benefit. There have been reports that Austin and Crayton will both see time as the slot receiver, depending upon the situation.

However, if Austin beats out Crayton for the second wide receiver spot, it makes him a prime sleeper candidate. He is considered a high-risk, late-round pick, but he's good to have on the bench if you miss out on more stable wideouts.

In the event Austin can't win the job away from Crayton, his fantasy value drops to that of a deep reserve.

The position battle between Austin and Crayton should be one that fantasy owners pay close attention to in Cowboys training camp.

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John Kotch Jr.
John Kotch Jr. has been a KFFL contributing writer since 2007.

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