The Facts: If Dez Bryant's threat to "not be there," means the regular-season opener on Sept. 13 against the New York Giants, then what happens with the Cowboys? The coaches lauded the work of Williams in Bryant's absence during the offseason program. Williams became the de facto leader of the wide receiver room. He and Tony Romo were much more in-tune with each other. "He's not only taken a tremendous leadership role in the group, really setting the example of how you do things, he's expanded his route inventory," WRs coach Derek Dooley said of Williams at the conclusion of last month's minicamp.

Diehards Line:Dooley continued: "He's played X. He's played Z. He's played in the slot and every day he went out there and was the same player. Every route, every opportunity he had he took advantage of it. So he's made a big jump this offseason." Does that mean Williams would take the leading role if Bryant makes good on his threat to hold out absent a long-term deal? Devin Street worked with the starters with Bryant absent. He had just two catches as a rookie in 2014 but the coaches liked his development through the year. Cole Beasley would continue to serve as the No. 3 receiver in the slot, so his role would essentially be the same, but it could change how much the Cowboys use three wide receiver formations. They could also use tight end Gavin Escobar more in a receiver role, which would likely eat more into Street's snaps than Beasley's. But Williams is a player to watch whether Bryant is around or not.