Home › Trends6

When Was Dez Bryant Drafted: Unearthing The NFL Star's Draft Day

Trends January 09, 2025

When was Dez Bryant drafted? NFL fans and enthusiasts may be familiar with the name Dez Bryant, but for those who are curious about his professional football journey, the answer to this question marks the beginning of his remarkable career.

Dez Bryant, a standout wide receiver known for his exceptional athleticism and impressive on-field performances, entered the NFL draft in 2010. His highly anticipated entry generated considerable excitement among teams seeking to bolster their receiving corps with a player of his caliber. After a successful collegiate career at Oklahoma State University, where he garnered numerous accolades and set several records, Bryant was eagerly awaited by NFL franchises.

The Dallas Cowboys, recognizing Bryant's immense potential, selected him with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. This moment marked the official commencement of Bryant's NFL career, paving the way for him to showcase his exceptional abilities on the grandest stage of professional football.

| Personal Details | Information ||---|---|| Full Name | Desmond Demond Bryant || Date of Birth | November 4, 1988 || Birth Place | Lufkin, Texas || Nationality | American || Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) || Weight | 225 lb (102 kg) || College | Oklahoma State || Years Active | 2010-2017, 2018, 2020 || NFL Teams | Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns |

Bryant's NFL career spanned eight seasons, during which he played for four different teams: the Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, and Cleveland Browns. Throughout his career, he consistently delivered impactful performances, amassing impressive statistics and earning recognition for his outstanding contributions to the sport.

When Was Dez Bryant Drafted?

The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select the most talented college football players to join their rosters. Dez Bryant was one of the most highly-rated wide receivers in the 2010 NFL Draft, and he was ultimately drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the 24th overall pick.

Date: April 22, 2010
Round: 1
Pick: 24
Team: Dallas Cowboys
Position: Wide Receiver
College: Oklahoma State
Age: 21
Hometown: Lufkin, Texas

Bryant's draft selection was a major moment in his career, and it marked the beginning of a successful NFL career. He quickly became one of the most productive wide receivers in the league, and he helped the Cowboys reach the playoffs several times. Bryant was also a popular player with the fans, and he was known for his passionate and energetic style of play.

1. Date

The date April 22, 2010, holds significance in the context of "when was Dez Bryant drafted" as it marks the specific day when the highly anticipated NFL Draft took place that year. This annual event serves as a platform for teams to select the most talented college football players to join their rosters. Dez Bryant, a standout wide receiver from Oklahoma State University, was one of the most highly-rated prospects in the 2010 draft class.

As the draft unfolded, the Dallas Cowboys, recognizing Bryant's exceptional abilities and potential, selected him with the 24th overall pick in the first round. This moment marked the official commencement of Bryant's NFL career, paving the way for him to showcase his talents on the grandest stage of professional football.

The significance of the date April 22, 2010, lies in its representation of the turning point in Dez Bryant's career trajectory. It marked his transition from a collegiate athlete to a professional football player, setting the stage for his future accomplishments and contributions to the sport.

2. Round

In the context of the NFL Draft, "Round 1" holds significant relevance to the question "when was Dez Bryant drafted." The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select the most talented college football players to join their rosters. The draft is divided into seven rounds, with each round representing a different tier of talent.

Priority and Prestige: Round 1 is the most prestigious round of the draft and is reserved for the most elite prospects. Players selected in the first round are generally considered to be the best of the best and have the highest potential to succeed in the NFL.
Immediate Impact: Players drafted in Round 1 are expected to make an immediate impact on their teams. They are often given starting roles or significant playing time right away.
High Expectations: With the high draft position comes high expectations. Players drafted in Round 1 are expected to be stars and leaders on their teams.
Long-Term Value: Players drafted in Round 1 typically have long and successful NFL careers. They are often the foundation of their teams' success for many years to come.

In the case of Dez Bryant, being drafted in Round 1 was a testament to his exceptional talent and potential. The Dallas Cowboys, who selected Bryant with the 24th overall pick, believed that he had the skills and abilities to be a star in the NFL. Bryant lived up to the expectations, becoming one of the most productive and exciting wide receivers in the league.

3. Pick

In the context of "when was Dez Bryant drafted," "Pick: 24" holds significant importance as it represents the specific selection made by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select the most talented college football players to join their rosters, and the draft order is determined based on the teams' previous season records.

The fact that Dez Bryant was drafted with the 24th overall pick indicates that he was highly regarded by the Cowboys and considered to be one of the best prospects in the draft. The Cowboys recognized Bryant's exceptional talent and potential, and they believed that he had the skills and abilities to be a star in the NFL. The 24th overall pick is a coveted spot in the draft, and it is typically reserved for players who are expected to make an immediate impact on their teams.

Being drafted with the 24th overall pick was a major moment in Dez Bryant's career. It marked his transition from a collegiate athlete to a professional football player, and it set the stage for his future accomplishments and contributions to the sport. Bryant lived up to the expectations, becoming one of the most productive and exciting wide receivers in the league. He was a key contributor to the Cowboys' success for many years, and he helped the team reach the playoffs on several occasions.

4. Team

The connection between "Team: Dallas Cowboys" and "when was Dez Bryant drafted" lies in the significant role that the Dallas Cowboys organization played in Dez Bryant's NFL career. When discussing "when was Dez Bryant drafted," it is essential to highlight the team that selected him and the context surrounding his draft selection.

Draft Selection: The Dallas Cowboys drafted Dez Bryant with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft. This selection marked the beginning of Bryant's NFL journey and his association with the Cowboys franchise.
Organizational Fit: The Cowboys, known for their rich history and tradition in the NFL, provided Dez Bryant with a stable and supportive environment to develop and showcase his talents. The team's offensive scheme and coaching staff were well-suited to Bryant's skill set, allowing him to thrive and reach his full potential.
Long-Term Commitment: Dez Bryant spent the majority of his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, playing for the team from 2010 to 2017. This extended tenure allowed Bryant to build a strong connection with the organization, the fans, and the city of Dallas.
Legacy and Impact: Dez Bryant's contributions to the Dallas Cowboys were significant, as he established himself as one of the team's most productive and beloved players. His impressive statistics, highlight-reel plays, and passionate style of play left a lasting impact on the organization and its fans.

In conclusion, the connection between "Team: Dallas Cowboys" and "when was Dez Bryant drafted" is deeply intertwined, as the Cowboys played a pivotal role in Bryant's NFL career. The team's decision to draft him, the supportive environment they provided, and Bryant's long-term commitment to the organization all contributed to his success and legacy as a Dallas Cowboy.

5. Position

The connection between "Position: Wide Receiver" and "when was Dez Bryant drafted" lies in the specific role and responsibilities Dez Bryant fulfilled within the Dallas Cowboys offense. When discussing "when was Dez Bryant drafted," it is important to understand the context of his position and how it influenced his selection and subsequent performance.

Field Position and Responsibilities: Wide receivers are primarily responsible for catching passes from the quarterback and advancing the ball down the field. They line up in various positions and patterns to create space and get open for receptions.
Route Running and Separation: Wide receivers need to possess exceptional route-running skills to create separation from opposing defenders and get into open areas where they can receive the ball. Dez Bryant was known for his crisp route running and ability to create separation, making him a reliable target for his quarterbacks.
Ball Skills and Hands: Wide receivers must have sure hands and the ability to make difficult catches in various situations. Dez Bryant had a knack for making spectacular catches, including one-handed grabs and contested catches in traffic.
Blocking and Physicality: In addition to their receiving responsibilities, wide receivers are often required to block for running backs and protect the quarterback. Dez Bryant was a physical and aggressive blocker, which added another dimension to his game.

Overall, Dez Bryant's position as a wide receiver played a significant role in when he was drafted. His exceptional skills, athleticism, and versatility made him a highly sought-after prospect, and the Dallas Cowboys recognized his potential as a playmaker who could contribute to their offense in multiple ways.

6. College

The connection between "College: Oklahoma State" and "when was Dez Bryant drafted" lies in the significant role that Dez Bryant's collegiate career played in shaping his NFL draft prospects and ultimately determining when he was drafted. By delving into the details of Bryant's college years, we can gain a deeper understanding of his development as a player and the factors that contributed to his successful transition to the NFL.

Dez Bryant's collegiate career at Oklahoma State University spanned three seasons from 2007 to 2009. During his time with the Cowboys, Bryant established himself as one of the most dominant wide receivers in college football, earning numerous accolades and setting several records.

Exceptional Statistics: Throughout his collegiate career, Bryant amassed impressive statistics, showcasing his exceptional receiving abilities. He recorded 1,480 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns in his sophomore season and followed it up with 1,023 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns in his junior season.
Big-Play Ability: Bryant was known for his ability to make big plays and create explosive offensive moments. He possessed a rare combination of size, speed, and athleticism, making him a difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
National Recognition: Bryant's performances at Oklahoma State earned him national recognition and accolades. He was named a consensus All-American in 2008 and 2009 and was also a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation's top wide receiver.

Bryant's collegiate success not only showcased his individual talent but also highlighted the high level of competition and coaching he experienced at Oklahoma State. The program's offensive system, led by head coach Mike Gundy, was known for its pass-happy approach, which allowed Bryant to flourish and develop his skills.

When the 2010 NFL Draft approached, Dez Bryant was widely regarded as one of the top wide receiver prospects available. His impressive collegiate career, coupled with his physical attributes and athletic potential, made him a highly sought-after player. Ultimately, the Dallas Cowboys selected Bryant with the 24th overall pick in the first round, solidifying his status as a first-round talent and marking a significant milestone in his football journey.

7. Age

The connection between "Age: 21" and "when was Dez Bryant drafted" lies in the significance of Dez Bryant's age at the time of the 2010 NFL Draft. When discussing "when was Dez Bryant drafted," it is important to consider his age and how it influenced his draft status and expectations.

Draft Eligibility: In the NFL, players must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for the draft. Dez Bryant was 21 years old at the time of the 2010 NFL Draft, making him eligible to be selected by an NFL team.
Physical and Mental Maturity: Players who enter the NFL at the age of 21 are generally considered to be physically and mentally mature enough to handle the rigors of professional football. Bryant was known for his exceptional athleticism and maturity, which contributed to his success at the collegiate level and made him a desirable prospect for NFL teams.
Long-Term Potential: Teams often place a high value on young players with long-term potential. At the age of 21, Dez Bryant had already demonstrated his immense talent and potential for growth. Teams believed that he could continue to develop and become a star player in the NFL.

Overall, the connection between "Age: 21" and "when was Dez Bryant drafted" highlights the importance of Dez Bryant's age in relation to his draft eligibility, physical and mental maturity, and long-term potential. These factors played a significant role in his selection by the Dallas Cowboys with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

8. Hometown

The connection between "Hometown: Lufkin, Texas" and "when was Dez Bryant drafted" lies in the formative environment and experiences that shaped Dez Bryant's early life and athletic development, ultimately influencing his path to the NFL. Lufkin, Texas, played a significant role in Bryant's journey to becoming a first-round draft pick.

Early Exposure to Football: Lufkin, Texas, is known for its passion for football, and Bryant grew up immersed in the sport. He began playing organized football at a young age, honing his skills and developing a deep love for the game.
Supportive Community: Lufkin provided Bryant with a supportive community that encouraged his athletic pursuits. From local coaches to family and friends, Bryant had a network of individuals who believed in his potential and provided him with the resources to succeed.
Competitive Environment: Lufkin High School, where Bryant attended, had a strong football program that competed at a high level. This competitive environment pushed Bryant to improve his abilities and prepared him for the challenges he would face at the collegiate and professional levels.
Local Recognition: Bryant's exceptional talent did not go unnoticed in Lufkin. He was recognized as one of the top players in the area and received numerous accolades, which brought him attention from college recruiters and eventually NFL scouts.

In conclusion, Dez Bryant's hometown of Lufkin, Texas, played a crucial role in his development as a football player. The early exposure to the sport, supportive community, competitive environment, and local recognition he received in Lufkin laid the foundation for his success and contributed to his eventual selection in the first round of the NFL Draft.

FAQs

This section addresses frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the topic of "When Was Dez Bryant Drafted?" providing informative answers based on relevant information and insights.

Question 1: When was Dez Bryant drafted into the NFL?

Answer: Dez Bryant was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the first round (24th overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft.

Question 2: What factors contributed to Bryant's high draft selection?

Answer: Bryant's exceptional athleticism, impressive collegiate statistics, and proven ability to make big plays made him a highly sought-after prospect by NFL teams.

Question 3: What position did Dez Bryant play in the NFL?

Answer: Bryant played the wide receiver position, where he was known for his physicality, route-running skills, and ability to make difficult catches.

Question 4: Which college did Dez Bryant attend before entering the NFL?

Answer: Bryant played college football for Oklahoma State University, where he set several receiving records and earned All-American honors.

Question 5: What impact did Bryant have on the Dallas Cowboys after being drafted?

Answer: Bryant quickly became a key contributor to the Cowboys' offense, establishing himself as one of the most productive and exciting wide receivers in the NFL during his eight seasons with the team.

In summary, Dez Bryant was drafted in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. His exceptional talent and collegiate achievements made him a highly sought-after prospect. As a wide receiver, Bryant had a significant impact on the Cowboys' offense, becoming one of the most productive and exciting players in the NFL.

This concludes the FAQ section on "When Was Dez Bryant Drafted?"

Conclusion

In conclusion, the exploration of "when was Dez Bryant drafted" has provided insights into the specific moment in 2010 when the Dallas Cowboys selected him with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. This significant event marked the commencement of Bryant's professional football career, paving the way for him to showcase his exceptional abilities on the grand stage of the NFL.

Dez Bryant's journey to the NFL was shaped by various factors, including his outstanding collegiate career at Oklahoma State University, where he established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the country. His exceptional athleticism, impressive statistics, and proven ability to make big plays made him a highly sought-after prospect by NFL teams. The Dallas Cowboys recognized Bryant's potential and selected him with their first-round pick, demonstrating their belief in his talent and ability to contribute to their team's success.

Bryant's NFL career spanned eight seasons, during which he played for four different teams and established himself as one of the most productive and exciting wide receivers in the league. His impressive performances and impact on the field solidified his status as a first-round talent and showcased the astute decision-making of the Dallas Cowboys in drafting him in 2010.