Kevin Ogletree to See Expanded Role

There has been a lot of talk lately about the Dallas wide receivers. Most of the chatter revolves around the speculation that one of the Cowboys’ receivers will be cut before the start of the regular season. Many of those suspicions point to Patrick Crayton, while some insinuate Sam Hurd. In a small part of these columns and reports is a sentence or two stating Kevin Ogletree will be one of the five receivers on the active 53-man roster. However, there is no reason given for this expectation or summary of Ogletree’s accomplishments that have earned him such instant respect. Let that investigation begin.

Ogletree went undrafted in 2009 following his junior season at Virginia. He signed a free agent contract with Dallas immediately following the draft, a recent trend that has worked out well for a few Cowboys. He HeThe former Cavalier tied a school record at the University of Virginia, becoming only the second player to record consecutive 50-reception seasons. The most exciting part of Ogletree’s game is his blazing speed. Many teams looked to sign him strictly as a kick returner after he posted 4.36 seconds in the 40-yard dash. That is exactly what he did in his 11 regular season games last season. The second-year speedster returned 8 kickoffs for a total of 166 yards, a promising sign heading into 2010.

At 6’1” and 196 pounds, Ogletree’s frame explains his speed. However, the Queens, New York product only caught 7 passes for 96 yards last season. That will change this year, even with the addition of first-round draft pick Dez Bryant. Dallas is not shy about starting undrafted players; neither quarterback Tony Romo nor receiver Miles Austin was selected on draft day. Ogletree will not be taking reps from Austin or eight-year veteran Roy Williams, but offensive coordinator Jason Garrett has a plan for the youngster. Ogletree’s speed also allows him to slip by defenders whose first step is not the quickest on the field. This means that he will most likely be very productive catching screen passes right at the line of scrimmage and then cutting upfield to try and catch some one-on-one matchups with unfortunate safeties and outside linebackers. Most teams like to run the screen pass to a running back out of the backfield, much like Philadelphia used to do with Brian Westbrook. It is a much faster developing play to a receiver out on the perimeter. Lined up farthest outside, Ogletree will run directly toward Romo at the snap and then cut 90 degrees up the field the moment he catches the football. There to block for him will be two other receivers and either a tight end or tackle. If the three blockers execute, and Ogletree reads their blocks correctly, the play will turn into a track meet.

Ogletree admits that he was not ready for a large role in the Cowboys’ offense last season. His tune is quite the opposite heading into 2010. After a full offseason with Garrett, the second-year receiver believes he now has a firm grasp on the playbook, and feels comfortable lining up at all three receiver positions. Ogletree was used in a simplified package toward the end of 2009, and should see another specific strategy designed to exploit his speed and elusiveness. However, this year’s scheme will not as basic, and Ogletree will have more than enough opportunities to prove to the Cowboys’ organization that he is a dependable and durable investment.