The tight end position is a noteworthy question mark for the Dallas Cowboys, mostly due to depth. The team used its franchise tag on Dalton Schultz, who was the 137th selection back in 2018, but is that enough? With that being said, many might not deem the position worthy of an early mid-round draft choice.
The team parted ways with Blake Jarwin earlier this week, and while Sean McKeon is currently behind him, Jerry Jones can’t pass up on any of the following three prospects if they’re available in the fourth round. Let’s not also forget that Schultz staying on the team after the 2022 season isn’t a foregone conclusion either, as injuries, among other things, can change in the course of an NFL season.
Which tight ends should the Cowboys be eyeing in the third or fourth rounds?
Cade Otton, Washington
This year’s draft class is stacked with talent that can be had after the third round. The Cowboys obviously need to focus on their offensive and defensive lines in the early going but adding a tight end such as Cade Otton from Washington could pay dividends.
Otton’s run blocking abilities are impressive; he displays noteworthy power in attacking defenders. Pro Football Focus spotlighted that trait, giving Otton a 68.9 grade in that department. Having a tight end that plays in the run game with tenacity and a mean streak would certainly look good in a Cowboys uniform.
Speedy isn’t a word to describe Otton. Rather, his strength lies in making tough contested catches where he uses his strong hands and can separate from defenders with just enough quickness. He’ll be a tough matchup for NFL linebackers due to his lanky frame and height of six-foot-five.
Greg Dulcich, UCLA
We can’t know for sure just how much stock the Cowboys will be investing in the tight end position, but Greg Dulcich would surely be worth a fourth-round selection. Dulcich had a solid performance at the NFL Combine, posting a 4.70 40-yard dash time along with a vertical jump of 34 inches and a broad jump of 122 inches to boot.
Unlike Otton, Dulcich won’t be much of help in the run game. However, his contributions to the passing game merit consideration from Jones. The tight end consistently displayed above average speed at UCLA and earned himself a solid 72.5 receiving grade.
Dulcich is also one of the better route-runners at his position in this class. He was once a wide receiver, so no doubt that’s played a role in him developing as a pass-catcher, as he also displays superb separation in his routes. Dulcich has a solid foundation that can help him develop into an offensive contributor for the Cowboys.
Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin
Another option, and quite frankly, the most intriguing, is Jake Ferguson from Wisconsin. PFF allocated some remarkable grades for Ferguson’s 2021 season: an 87.8 receiving grade and a 77.6 in the run blocking department. Back in 2020, Ferguson was 10th in the Big Ten with four receiving touchdowns.
More importantly, Ferguson has accumulated 30 receptions at a minimum in the last four years. He’s a reliable option in the passing game with hands that measured nine and a half inches at the combine. Thanks to his size and catching talent, Ferguson could translate into a dependable red zone option for Dak Prescott.
Ferguson also possesses versatility in his repertoire; he can line up in the slot and as a fullback, which would give the Cowboys ample opportunity to make use of his abilities.
