IRVING, Texas -- Brandon Carr better be good. The Cowboys obviously thought he had Pro Bowl potential when they gave the cornerback a five-year, $50.1 million deal in free agency.

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Cowboys defensive coordinator Rob Ryan keeps talking about how great his players are, but can we believe him? Galloway & Company weigh in. Listen

Believe it or not, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan believes the hype. In fact, Ryan is already raising the bar for Carr after coaching the corner for five OTA practices.

“He’s actually better (than expected),” Ryan said. “He’s outstanding. I knew he was great, but the guy is special.”

Everyone knows Ryan tends to pump up his players. What makes Carr so special?

“Just because he shuts down everybody,” Ryan said. “He can cover anybody. He’s got long arms, great length, and he’s a great person who works his tail off. He takes coaching, and I’m really impressed with him.”

The 6-foot, 207-pound Carr, a versatile corner who excels in press coverage, is working on the left side after playing primarily right cornerback with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Ryan said Carr can play anywhere the Cowboys need him. Ryan can envision using Carr to shadow an elite receiver all over the field, such as, oh say, the Giants’ Victor Cruz in the Sept. 5 season opener.

“We’ll see how it goes,” Ryan said. “But if we need to shut somebody down or put him on a bigger guy, I’m sure Brandon will be up to the challenge.”