cbssports.com,
Miles Austin insists he is the same as always, despite his quick rise from relative unknown to Pro Bowl receiver, the cover of the latest Sports Illustrated and Kim Kardashian companion. "I've been doing the same things. It's just that more people are paying attention now," Austin said Sunday, trying to convince reporters and cameras surrounding him that he feels no different from when people didn't even notice him less than a year ago. "I've got the star on my helmet. But that's about it." Yet, Austin no longer comes on the field at Dallas Cowboys training camp without fanfare. There are plenty of cheers when he emerges from the tunnel and catches passes from Tony Romo. "It's like taking somebody working at The Container Store in the closet and now he's the American Idol," teammate Bradie James said. "That's only in America and only on America's Team that you can do that. ... Miles is still levelheaded. Miles is still the same guy. People like him now, more people."
Analysis: Going into his fifth NFL season, the former undrafted receiver from tiny Monmouth College is no longer primarily a kick returner who occasionally gets a pass thrown his way. Austin has emerged as Romo's favorite target, and a problem for defensive coordinators league-wide. Plus, he's in line for a big new contract. The 26-year-old Austin signed a $3.168 million contract in June, but owner Jerry Jones repeatedly has said the Cowboys want to sign the receiver to a long-term deal. Austin finished the 2009 season with 81 catches for 1,320 yards, sixth-best in team history and the sixth-best by any undrafted receiver ever in the NFL. "I pretty much have the same confidence (as before). Don't get me wrong, I was getting more opportunities last year, and hopefully I'll get as many opportunities this year," he said. "Obviously other people are probably going to hold some sort of standard, but my standard really is just work." We like Austin to remain a No. 1 Fantasy WR, and he's worth drafting as early as Round 2 or 3 in all leagues.
