Fire Wade Phillips

A few weeks ago at the Dallas Cowboys‘ rookie mini-camp, coaches had the opportunity to see first round selection Dez Bryant in action for the first time in team colors; the reviews were overwhelmingly positive, with Wade Phillips eulogizing the former Oklahoma State star, saying he was the most impressive rookie he had ever seen.

On Monday, the opening of organized team activities, veterans had the opportunity to see the most immediately impressive of their new teammates in the flesh; like Phillips, they were left somewhat mesmerized by the tools possessed by Bryant.

“I heard a lot of hype about him coming in, and I definitely agree with him being the first pick,” said cornerback Mike Jenkins, per ESPNDallas.com. “The guy is going to be a great receiver in this league. … I think he has all the ability to be the best receiver we have.”

Roy Williams, whose role as a starter was threatened–according to many outsiders–by Bryant’s selection, raved about the young receiver as well, adding that he’d like to aid in his development.

“I’m trying to make him better, not only for him but for the Dallas Cowboys in the future,” Williams said. “He’s the future guy for this football team. Everybody knows that. I want him to be the man, come real soon.”

Of course, Bryant still has some developing to do. Williams, who has made clear that he won’t hand over his starting role without a fight, knows this, as does Bryant’s quarterback Tony Romo. Now this is an obvious conclusion to draw from the situation, particularly in mid-May, but, admittedly, it’s easy to forget.

Bryant, in his brief time with the team, has just been that impressive. Fortunately for us, who find ourselves swooning in the possibilities of the future, Romo is a realist.

“There’s a long way to go, it’s a process and it’s about improving,” Romo said, echoing every interview he’s ever given. “[With] young guys, it sometimes takes a little bit to get adjusted to press, different things, in the NFL, route adjustments. I’ll be interested to see all that as it gets forward. We’re just starting the process now.”