Bryant, Smith Named To Pro Bowl For First Time

Receiver Dez Bryant and left tackle Tyron Smith have been selected to represent the club in Hawaii next month. It is the first selection for both players.

Somehow, the NFL decided to make the Pro Bowl even less noteworthy by announcing it's participants late on a Friday night. However, Cowboys Nation has something to celebrate as fourth-year wideout Dez Bryant and third-year offensive tackle Tyron Smith were both named to their first All-Star appearance.

With one game to go, Bryant currently has over 1100 yards and 12 touchdowns, the latter tying his career high set last season and tying for the league lead at the position this year. Bryant has become QB Tony Romo's go-to-target, as he has hauled in numerous third down and red zone targets on the year.

Tyron Smith has settled in as the left tackle for the Cowboys and begun to prove the faith Dallas had in centering their line rebuild around him. Tyron has only allowed one sack on the year, and that happened all the way back in Week 5. Along the way, he's completed stonewalled pass rushers like Jason Pierre-Paul, Jared Allen, Julius Peppers, Clay Matthews, Lamarr Houston and Brian Orakpo. He seems to visually improve every game.

Bryant leads the Cowboys with 85 receptions for 1,134 yards and 12 touchdowns. He ranks among the top 10 in the NFL in receptions and yards and only three players in the league have scored more touchdowns.

Dez is tying his career high set last season and tying for the league lead at the position this year. Bryant has become QB Tony Romo's go-to-target, as he has hauled in numerous third down and red zone targets on the year.

Smith has helped anchor a dramatically improved offensive line and has become a dominant player in only his third season. Head coach Jason Garrett has said repeatedly in recent weeks that he considers Smith as good as any tackle in the league.

“I believe he is,’’ Garret said. “I haven’t gone team by team and evaluated everybody, but we think he is an outstanding player.

“He’s done a really good job for us. He’s a heck of a run blocker. He’s a heck of a pass protector and he plays a really important position. We are really fortunate to have him.’’

The format for this Pro Bowl is radically different. Players were selected regardless of conference affiliation and a draft will be held on Jan. 22 to determine the teams.

The game will take place on Jan. 26.

Other Cowboys who warranted consideration were DT Jason Hatcher, LB Sean Lee, ST/KR Dwayne Harris, K Dan Bailey, and QB Tony Romo.