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Cowboys' 'Dez 2.0' Draft Target Under Rumor Scrutiny

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nathan Karseno | Last updated Apr 12, 2025 3:17 PM ET

If it weren't for some attitude and behavior concerns coming out of college, Dez Bryant could have been taken much higher and be the first receiver picked in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Instead, the Oklahoma State receiver slipped to 24th overall to the Dallas Cowboys as the second wideout off the board. He was quick to prove those who passed on him wrong, turning into a star Pro Bowler and 88-club member in Dallas.

Ahead of the 2025 Draft, the Cowboys are once again in a position where they need a starting-caliber receiver to take pressure off the new 88 in CeeDee Lamb.

They have the No. 12 pick ... a legit position to land one of the best receivers in the class.

Other than two-way prospect Travis Hunter, many scouts believe the best receiver available is Arizona's Tetairoa McMillan. He may even be the best "pure pass catcher" in the Draft.

McMillan also happens to be drawing comparisons to Bryant because of their size and jump-ball ability.

Dez came in with plus-size at 6-2, 220 pounds. McMillan measured at 6-4, 220.

Their play styles also resemble one another. They both don't rely on game-breaking speed, but show great instincts to highpoint the football over defensive backs and make difficult catches look easy.

90 seconds of Tet McMillan making plays

: @NFL pic.twitter.com/Sc5OEnanan https://t.co/s7bKIS1zEk
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 11, 2025

Then again ... McMillan's 4.4 speed could be pretty game-breaking if he's put in the right opportunity.

But the cherry on top? McMillan comes into the NFL without many maturity issues that could diminish his draft stock.

However ... you might remember the viral video that surfaced of McMillan claiming he doesn't watch film.

But let's also remember that the video was taken in early 2019 when he was 19 years old - way before McMillan turned into the All-American he is today.

More to remember: Bryant was scrutinized for similar off-the-field behaviors like his lack of preparation.

Dallas still took the gamble, and it paid off with Dez being a reliable target for many years.

We predict that McMillan turned around his ways since then ... or at least that's the hope to explain him bursting onto the scene the way he has.

McMillan put up All-American stats over his last two seasons of college football, totaling 2,721 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns.

The Cowboys have made their search for "an explosive No. 2 receiver" obvious this offseason ... and with little attention to it in free agency movement, we expect them to find that piece in the Draft.

There may be a "Dez 2.0" in the making if the Cowboys can find a way to bring "Tet" to The Star.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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