5 former recent draft picks the Cowboys wish they could bring back

5. Dez Bryant, WR

Of course, I have to save the best for last. Cowboy Nation would do anything to watch one of the best receivers in franchise history take the field again. 

Dez Bryant, Dallas's first draft pick of the 2010s, was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft out of Oklahoma State. It didn’t take long for the Texas native to fit in. The team issued him No. 88, and he was expected to carry on the legacy of this historic number for the franchise. 

The Cowboys were searching for a true No. 1 receiver for Tony Romo. After a promising rookie campaign was cut short due to injury, Bryant cemented himself as the top target by 2011.

Bryant’s most dominating stretch came between 2012-14. During that span, he totaled 273 receptions, 3,935 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns. 

The 2014 version of Dez Bryant made a case for being the best receiver in the NFL. While helping the Cowboys win the NFC East and making the playoffs, Bryant finished the 2014 season with 88 receptions, 1,320 yards receiving, and a league-leading 16 touchdowns. 

What made Bryant so dominant was his size, speed, and strength. His presence would draw countless double teams. He finished his Cowboys career with 531 receptions, 7,459 receiving yards, and his 73 touchdowns are a franchise record. 

Bryant was a three-time Pro Bowler, a first-team All-Pro, led the league in receiving touchdowns in 2014, and the most physically dominant receiver in franchise history. While Dallas isn't crying out for help at WR following the Brandin Cooks trade, the offense could use his formidable end zone presence.

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