As things stand right now Blake Jarwin is expected to take over for Jason Witten as the Dallas Cowboys starting tight end in 2020. Whether that stands or not has yet to be seen, but it doesn’t look as if the Cowboys are planning to put all their eggs in one basket just yet. Word is, they could be targeting UCLA Bruins TE Devin Asiasi in the 2020 NFL Draft.
According to Bobby Belt, Devin Asiasi is one of three players the Dallas Cowboys had a formal meeting with at the Scouting Combine, scheduled a 30 pre-draft visit, and conducted a video conference with. You can read into that what you want, but it certainly sounds as if the Cowboys are doing their homework on the former UCLA TE.
Asiasi has been flying a little bit under the radar amongst this year’s TE draft class, but there are several “draft analysts” who believe he’s a Top 5 player at the position. In fact, that’s where Dane Brugler of The Athletic has him ranked in his 2020 NFL Draft Guide. He gave him a 3rd-4th round grade, meaning he could be in play for the Cowboys with Pick 82 or 123.
In case you’re wondering, here is how Dane Brugler has his Top 10 TEs ranked:
- Adam Troutman, Dayton
- Cole Kmet, Notre Dame
- Harrison Bryant, Florida Atlantic
- Albert Okwuegbunam, Missouri
- Devin Asiasi, UCLA
- Hunter Bryant, Washington
- Colby Parkinson, Stanford
- Brycen Perkins, Purdue
- Thaddeus Moss, LSU
- Jared Pinkney, Vanderbilt
You can agree or disagree with Brugler’s TE rankings all you want, but the fact remains Devin Asiasi’s still someone who appears to be on the Dallas Cowboys radar. So, what kind of player would the Cowboys be getting?
Devin Asiasi (6’3″, 257) was the starting “Y” tight end in Chip Kelly’s up-tempo offense, lining up primarily inline. He was a one-year starter who finished second on the team in receiving (52 catches, 789 yards, 6 TDs). He’s a natural hands catcher and moves well, presenting a good window for his QB. He’s a solid blocker in the run game, but could stand to be more of an aggressor.
Overall, I think Asiasi would be more of a complete TE then what the Dallas Cowboys currently have on the roster. He may not challenge Blake Jarwin for the starting gig as a rookie, but he could in a year or two. I also think he’s an upgrade over Blake Bell and could serve as the TE2 early on before working his way up the depth chart.
There’s a lot to like about Devin Asiasi and the skill set he would bring with him to the Dallas Cowboys. It’s easy to see why they could be infatuated with him. With Blake Jarwin as more of a receiving threat, Blake Bell as more of a blocker, Asiasi looks to be more of the complete package than either.
We definitely need better TE’S for sure. I like Cheyenne O’Grady, Thadeus Moss, Colby Parkinson, Cole Kmet and Harrison Bryant. If we trade down and get extra draft picks I would like to get 2 TE’S in this draft class.
Dalton Keene is one of my favorites.
I agree. But I don’t want a non blocking, pass catching only TE they have that in Jarwin. With other bigger needs and most of the top TEs average or less blockers, I would wait til the 5th round to grab a TE.
It’s hard to know what the Cowboys are looking for in a TE now with Mike McCarthy running the show. He may prefer more of a receiving type TE. After all, they already brought in Blake Bell to be more of the blocker.
Like most TEs drafted under Garrett Schultz had never really gotten a fair shot. Look, Dallas invested a 4th round pick on a guy many had rated a potential 3rd rounder and was compared, by some, to Zach Ertz! With all the needs Dallas has in the secondary heading into 2021 they should concentrate 3rd day picks there and potentially WR. 2020 special teamerx that can grow into 2021. Give Schultz a shot under McCarthy before they draft a replacement and throw away a potentially valuable CB of WR.
You’re right about Dalton Schultz. He hasn’t received much playing time so we really don’t know what kind of player he is. Having said that though, this new coaching staff has no loyalty to him and may prefer to bring in someone they like better.
only so many picks. CBs and DL before even considering it, then the S and WR positions to address. If Keene or this guy are there in the 5th, go for it, but no premium (top 3 rounds) picks on an average TE class.
I tend to agree, but who knows what this new coaching staff plans on doing.
Dallas has always been big on drafting T. E. ‘s and horrible about playing them. I blame Garrett for that. I believe if given a shot Schultz could be an excellent player. Glad the redhead is history. Sick of his sideline clapping and spitting.
When you have a player like Jason Witten at the top of the depth chart who rarely comes off the field it’s hard for any other TE behind him to get any playing time. With Witten gone, that should change.