The most intriguing position group on the Dallas Cowboys is the tight ends. The leader of that group, Jason Witten, is returning for his 15th season. He is a future hall of famer, a leader in the locker room and the most dependable guy on the team for the last decade. He does not have elite speed or athletic ability but he is one of the best players on the roster. He is tough as nails, exceptional at blocking, has great hands and has a knack for getting open and boxing out defenders. He is a virtual guarantee to start all 16 games and make key plays when needed, but what about the rest of the guys?
With James Hanna and Geoff Swaim, the Cowboys have a couple of capable back-ups. Both are effective blockers who all well versed in the blocking scheme. Neither of those two guys are the most dynamic receivers but they can contribute when needed. Hopefully neither one will have to fill Jason Witten’s rather large shoes anytime soon.
What truly makes this position group intriguing is the guy who could be the 4th tight end to make this roster. He is none other than former college basketball player Rico Gathers. He was looking like a lock to make the team before suffering a concussion in practice a couple of weeks ago. What he lacks in experience and blocking he more than makes up for with pure athletic ability and size. At 6 “7 and 285 lbs with incredible hands he presents a match up nightmare for opposing defenses. Hopefully, he makes this team and is able to contribute. The Cowboys have never had a weapon of his calibre and hopefully they utilize him to the fullest. Let us hope that the Cowboys do not continue their recent trend of allowing a good pass catching tight end to waste away at the bottom of the depth chart.