Cowboys hot routes: Which current players are Ring-worthy?

Darren Woodson is the latest member to join the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor, a deserving honor for one of the top safeties of his era.

But who on the current team has a chance to make their way into the prestigious club? We take a look at five candidates.

1 Jason Witten. This is as close to a lock as you can get. Witten’s numbers say it all. He is the franchise’s all-time receptions leader, and is second in NFL history among tight ends with 943. His 10,502 yards are second in Cowboys history and second in NFL history among tight ends. He has gone to 10 of the last 11 Pro Bowls and ranks among one of the best locker room leaders.

2 Tony Romo. Sure, the postseason success isn’t there … yet. Romo has only two playoff wins, but he has been among the top quarterbacks in the league during his time with the Cowboys. He’s been to four Pro Bowls, has posted a franchise-best 97.58 passer rating in his career and has thrown for more yards (33,270) than anyone in franchise history. He’s close to being a lock, and a Super Bowl run would seal the deal.

3 Dez Bryant. He’s among the top playmakers in the league and everybody understands the value he brings on a daily basis. He’s had at least 1,200 receiving yards and double-digit TDs the past three seasons, including a franchise- and NFL-high 16 last year. If he continues to put up similar numbers going forward, he certainly will get strong consideration for the Ring of Honor.

4 Tyron Smith. The importance and value of the left tackle spot can’t be overstated, and Smith is among the best in the league. His athleticism and strength is remarkable for a 6-foot-5, 320-pound man. Smith has established himself as an All-Pro left tackle and, barring an injury or unforeseen slip in play, he should become a staple for years to come.

5 Zack Martin. Yes, he’s only going into his second year. But Martin had such an impressive rookie season that he garnered consideration for rookie of the year honors, a distinction that rarely goes to a lineman. And, while he didn’t win the award, everyone gained an appreciation for how well he played last year in helping one of the top offenses in the league. Like Smith, he should be a staple as one of the top offensive linemen in the league for years to come.

Celebrity status

Dez Bryant doesn’t consider himself a celebrity, although some might argue that he is, considering he’s the star receiver on “America’s Team” and is represented by a company run by music mogul Jay Z.

Not to mention he’s going to be featured in an upcoming Rolling Stone magazine.

“I’m not a celebrity, man,” Bryant said. “God blessed me with a gift and I’m trying my best to take full advantage of it each and every day, and try to stay as positive as I can because I know young ones are watching me, including my own.”

Bryant, 26, went on to lament about how much attention his Sunday scuffle with cornerback Tyler Patmon generated. Bryant pointed to a heated incident that happened at New York Giants practice that didn’t receive nearly the same attention.

However, Bryant understands why cameras love to follow him and his tendency to become animated on the sidelines even though he doesn’t necessarily agree with it.

“I want you all to understand that things like that happen at training camp,” Bryant said.

But Bryant was in a good mood all day Tuesday. He praised rookie cornerback Byron Jones for winning a one-on-one drill against him earlier in the day, was pleased with how efficient the first-team offense ran the two-minute drill and boasted about making a few trick shots on the basketball court earlier in the day.

As far as his upcoming Rolling Stone cover, Bryant said: “Look ... ask me when it drops, OK? Just ask me then and I’m gonna tell you.”

Quote of the day

“Two days ago I was on the field watching practice and Jerry [Jones] called me up. ... I told [Cowboys PR man Rich Dalrymple], ‘Listen, he’s never cut me. Is he going to cut me?’ I mean, seriously. It’s almost like he said, ‘Bring your playbook,’ and is he going to cut me. That was my mentality. I didn’t know what Jerry wanted. It’s an absolute honor.” — Darren Woodson on finding out he’d been elected to the Ring of Honor

Injury report

RB Darren McFadden (left hamstring): PUP

LB Rolando McClain (right knee): PUP

OT Chaz Green (hip): PUP

LB Mark Nzeocha (knee): NFI

LB Will Smith (groin): Being evaluated

This story was originally published August 4, 2015 at 10:15 PM with the headline "Cowboys hot routes: Which current players are Ring-worthy?."