Though there is only one game remaining in the 2018-19 NFL season, there is a silver lining we can all look forward to.
It's NFL Draft season.
With draft season comes the 2019 Senior Bowl, where some of the draft's best prospects will put their talents on display all week long. Despite not having a first round pick this year, the Dallas Cowboys will have ample opportunity to improve their roster through the NFL Draft.
And if Stephen Jones' recent comments mean anything, Dallas might be looking to take a tight end with their second round pick in April. And while the best tight ends in this upcoming class are underclassmen, there are some seniors who can make a name for themselves among Cowboys Nation.
So, let's take a look at the Senior Bowl rosters and identify three tight ends you should keep an eye on this week.
Dax Raymond, Utah State
If the Cowboys are looking to add a “modern” style tight end on day two of the NFL Draft, Dax Raymond just might be their guy.
At 6'5″ 250 pounds, Raymond has impressive movement skills, looking rather fluid for a player of his size. The Cowboys have lacked a middle of the field seam-buster at tight end for quite some time, and there is reason to believe Raymond can become that guy.
With a wide catch radius and rather consistent hands, Raymond's ability as a pass catching tight end is not under much scrutiny. As a run blocker Raymond is inconsistent overall, but is certainly not a bad option as an in-line tight end. Personally, I believe Dalton Schultz will be a better run blocker over time, but Raymond can provide the flex ability as a receiver which Schultz might not have.
Foster Moreau, LSU
While Dax Raymond provides more as a receiving threat, the Cowboys should consider LSU's Foster Moreau if they are looking for some extra pass protection and run blocking for Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott.
With blocking as his best trait, Moreau didn't offer all that much in terms of pass catching production at the collegiate level. And, beyond just college stats, Moreau's skillset isn't one of a modern pass catching tight end in the NFL either.
Still, the Cowboys should keep an eye on Moreau at the Senior Bowl. Despite what some may think, Dallas doesn't have a true blocking tight end, even if Schultz developed nicely throughout his rookie year. Most scouting reports cap Moreau's upside as a TE2, which could keep him off the Cowboys radar on draft day.
Josh Oliver, San Jose State
Let's get back to the pass catchers, shall we?
San Jose State's Josh Oliver is a height-weight-speed guy that should do well in the coming weeks. At 6'5″ and 253 pounds Oliver moves well, and could make coaches believe he can be their big red zone target.
Catching 56 balls for over 700 yards and 4 touchdowns last season, Oliver clearly has the receiving skills Dallas may covet out of a tight end in this draft class. Oliver is a raw route runner, and needs to learn how to harness his overall athleticism into specific football ability, but his ball skills make him an intriguing prospect going forward.
Josh Oliver could also be used as a slot receiver in the Cowboys' scheme, attacking the middle of the field and being that seam buster which fans so badly desire.
