Cowboys TE Luke Schoonmaker will be Dak Prescott's favorite target: Film Breakdown
In this film breakdown, we take a look at TE Luke Schoonmaker, the Dallas Cowboys 2nd round pick out of Michigan.
Luke Schoonmaker had a breakout year in his 5th year at Michigan, despite not having super flashy stats. He was efficient with his chances, and is a great athlete that checks almost every box for what you want in a tight end. Schoonmaker is a strong route runner with a lot of different tricks in his bag. I believe that he should become one of Dak Prescott's favorite targets pretty quickly. He isn't great after the catch, and only forced 1 missed tackle last season, but he's fast enough to rack up some yards after the catch if the space is there. He ties his game together with great run blocking, that will produce matchup issues for defenses.
Strengths:
- Size and Athleticism: Schoonmaker's 6'6" frame combined with his athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for defenders. He has the ability to use his size advantage to win contested catches and create mismatches in the passing game.
- Receiving Skills: Schoonmaker has shown reliable hands and the ability to make difficult receptions in traffic. He possesses the ball skills necessary to make catches in a variety of situations, including over-the-shoulder grabs and in the red zone.
- Route Running: Schoonmaker has demonstrated good route-running ability for a tight end. He has the versatility to line up in different positions and run a variety of routes, adding flexibility to the offensive game plan.
Weaknesses:
- Blocking Technique: While Schoonmaker has shown improvement as a blocker, refining his technique and becoming more consistent in run blocking and pass protection will help him become a more complete tight end. Enhancing his footwork, leverage, and hand placement will increase his effectiveness in these aspects of the game.
- Play Strength: Developing more functional strength to engage and sustain blocks against stronger defenders will be beneficial for Schoonmaker. This will aid him in gaining an advantage in blocking situations and becoming a more physical presence on the field.
- Route Running Precision: While Schoonmaker has demonstrated good route-running ability, he can continue to refine his precision and timing to create separation and become an even more reliable target for his quarterback.
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