Cowboys: Former mid-round pick expected to take next step
They got multiple productive years out of him but the Dallas Cowboys decided that Dalton Schultz wasn't the answer at tight end going forward when they couldn't come to an agreement on a long-term deal after he played on the franchise tag last season. A big reason the Cowboys were fine with letting Schultz go […]
They got multiple productive years out of him but the Dallas Cowboys decided that Dalton Schultz wasn't the answer at tight end going forward when they couldn't come to an agreement on a long-term deal after he played on the franchise tag last season.
A big reason the Cowboys were fine with letting Schultz go was Jake Ferguson who got drafted in the fourth round last year. Of course, last season was about learning and adjusting to the NFL for Ferguson with Schultz getting starter's reps, but he still saw the field quite a bit.
The level of expectations for Ferguson has gone up as he slides up the depth chart. Pro Football Focus feels that he has a shot to be a breakout player with an increased role.
"With the departure of Dalton Schultz, second-year tight end Jake Ferguson is projected to start for the Cowboys and should have plenty of opportunities to impress while rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker gets used to the speed of the NFL.
"Ferguson saw limited playing time in 2022, but he did earn a receiving grade of 75.2, 11th among tight ends. He was also targeted on 21.8% of his routes, seventh among 58 qualifying players at the position."
The former Wisconsin Badger was able to log 430 offensive snaps in 2022 thanks to how much the Cowboys ran 12 personnel (one running back, two tight ends). Ferguson racked up 174 yards and two touchdowns catching 19 of his 22 targets (86.4%).
Ferguson is now in a position to have a significant impact on the Cowboys' offense as the primary pass catcher at tight end, and his mindset going into his new role is encouraging.
"Just maturing," said Ferguson, via the team's website. "Whether it's in-between the lines, footwork or learning the little details of how I can beat other guys. It's not just one guy, it's gonna be a good [player] that I'm going against every week. Maturing and realizing I need to be perfect in my technique and everything I do.
"And that's just how I've approached this offseason, getting my body right and trying to fit that mold."
The Cowboys have put a lot of resources into the tight end position over the last few years. Now, Ferguson has his opportunity to separate himself from the pack.
