The Dallas Cowboys, largely thanks to the NFL's most dominant offensive line, produced one of the better offenses in the league last season. Overall, the Cowboys ranked seventh in yards-per-game (383.6), fifth in scoring (29.2) and first in time of possession (32:51). Running back DeMarco Murray enjoyed a career season with an NFL-leading 1,845 rushing yards. Wide receiver Dez Bryant caught 16 touchdowns and laid the ground work for his five-year, $70 million contract. Tony Romo set a career high in completion percentage (69.9) while throwing single digit interceptions for just the third time since he became the starter in 2006.
But despite all of this star power, it is No. 3 wide receiver Cole Beasley who ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer recommends fantasy owners keep their eyes on.
"Cole Beasley caught a career-high four touchdown passes last year and emerged down the stretch as a Tony Romo favorite," Archer wrote. "So far in training camp, Beasley has not been defended. His quickness in the slot makes him a matchup nightmare. Cornerbacks just can't stay with him and he has built-in options that whatever the defender guesses will be wrong. In an offense with Dez Bryant and Jason Witten, it will be hard to get a huge amount of opportunities, but with how camp is shaking out, Beasley looks like he should have a 50-55 catch season."
Beasley caught 37 passes for 420 yards last season. As players such as Wes Welker and Randall Cobb have shown, slot receivers can be very productive fantasy options. Although Archer notes Beasley won't see a ton of targets, he may be worth rostering in deeper PPR leagues. Witten is coming off his least productive season in years and Terrance Williams isn't much of a roadblock as the No. 2 wide receiver. With some luck and continued good play all-around, Beasley could become a viable option on game day.
