The last time we saw Dez Bryant, he was as loose and confident as can be.
Friday at the Scouting Combine, facing a hoard of media asking about his suspension, Bryant understandably looked far more nervous.
Bryant won’t work out at the combine, which is quite a surprise. He says he tweaked his hamstring last week, but will work out at Oklahoma State’s March 10 Pro Day.
I spoke with a few people about Bryant through the week. Some were very impressed by his media appearance, while others thought he was insincere. But we have heard that his attitude, going back to before his suspension, makes teams nervous.
On Friday, he tried to put his suspension from the team last year behind him. He doesn’t believe his suspension will affect how high he’s drafted. Asked how does he respond to suspension questions from teams: “Whatever they ask, I answer it.”
His well-known relationship with Deion Sanders hasn’t changed to this day. “His intention wasn’t to hurt me. I still thank him to this day,” Bryant said.
Sanders was also close with Michael Crabtree, who not so coincidentally is also represented by Eugene Parker. The fact held out Michael Crabtree last year doesn’t matter to Bryant. He says he’ll “most likely” be at training camp on time.
Ultimately, Bryant’s physical gifts are going to be too hard to ignore. The consensus is that he’s more physically gifted than Crabtree and likely the most talented receiver to come out since Larry Fitzgerald.
Bryant measured in at 6'2, 225 pounds, with 34-inch arms. But it’s what’s in Bryant’s head that ultimately makes team nervous, and this goes back to before his suspension.
On draft day, we suspect Bryant’s talent will overwhelm any other concerns.
