Is that worth breaking the bank for?
Is Dez Elite? IOW Does he:
1) Draw double teams and consistently beat them. (Per CNN-SI, most in the league) Check.
2) Score. (44 career TDs, 38 TDs since 2011, more than Calvin Johnson, Julio Jones, Jordy Nelson, Demaryius Thomas, or AJ Green in that span) Check.
3) Produce. (280 catches since 2011, >5 catches per game played) Check.
4) Are threats to score from anywhere on the field. (Long's 85, 79, 68 past 3 seasons, and dangerous in red zone) Check.
5) Remain healthy. (1 game missed since 2011). Check.
6) Run great routes. Check.
7) Catch everything thrown at them. (68.1 target %age. More than Calvin Johnson, AJ Green, Antonio Brown, Andre Johnson, Jordy Nelson, and 20% more than Demaryius Thomas) Check.
8) Block downfield on running plays. Check.
9) Inspire teammates and fans? Check.
Hmmm. Evidence says elite. Eye test says elite.
PFF weird ranking system so far this year since week two:
1. Jordy Nelson (GB) +4.8
2. Andre Johnson (HST) +3.7
3. Andrew Hawkins (CLV) +3.5
4. Sammy Watkins (BUF) +3.5
5. Antonio Brown (PIT) +3.3
6. Calvin Johnson (DET) +3.1
7. Dez Bryant (DAL) +2.5
8. Markus Wheaton (PIT) +1.8
9. Anquan Boldin (SF) +1.7
10. Brian Quick (STL) +1.3
Umm, Dez is fucking elite.