Detroit Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson scoffed when he heard that Dez Bryant said he believed he could do whatever Calvin Johnson can.

Burleson has played alongside Randy Moss. He's played with Johnson. And he doesn't believe the Dallas Cowboys wideout is there yet.

"Listen, I like Dez," Burleson said Tuesday. "I think he's one of the best receivers in the game right now. Very talented, fast, big, strong -- he possesses all the tools to possibly be as good as Calvin.

"But he's not Calvin Johnson. No way, no how. Sorry, Dez. Keep it real."

The conversation started because of a radio interview Bryant gave Monday on 103.3 FM ESPN in Dallas.

Bryant expressed a lot of reverence for Johnson. But when asked what the Detroit Pro Bowler does that he can't, Bryant answered with pride in himself.

"I believe I can do whatever he can do," Bryant told the station. "I think it's just a pride thing. When it comes to football, just being on the field, it's a mindset and having a mentality. I honestly believe when I'm there, I'll be feeling like there's nothing I can't do. Whatever the coaches ask me to do, I'm going to do it."

Bryant took to Twitter on Tuesday in response to how others have perceived his self-confidence.

I see I have to be extra careful about what I say — Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) October 22, 2013

Burleson also called Johnson, who is 28 and in his seventh season, "a living legend."

Johnson has 33 catches for 492 yards and six touchdowns this season, although he missed one game and was limited in another by a knee injury. Bryant has 42 catches for 569 yards and six touchdowns.

On a conference call Wednesday, Lions coach Jim Schwartz was asked about the similarities between Bryant and Johnson.