Cowboys' unofficial depth chart sends a message to Luke Schoonmaker
Days before their season opener, the Dallas Cowboys released their unofficial depth chart. It's fair to say that there aren't a lot of surprises in it. But there seems to be a message in there for second-round rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker, the top offensive rookie of the Cowboys' 2023 Draft class. Schoonmaker is listed […]
Days before their season opener, the Dallas Cowboys released their unofficial depth chart. It's fair to say that there aren't a lot of surprises in it.
But there seems to be a message in there for second-round rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker, the top offensive rookie of the Cowboys' 2023 Draft class.
Schoonmaker is listed as the third-string tight end, behind starter Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, who's entering his second year as a member of the Cowboys.
After he was drafted in the second round, Schoonmaker was believed to have a chance at competing for the starting role vacated by Dalton Schultz's departure in free agency. However, a foot injury kept him out for a long period of time during the offseason while Ferguson built on an already strong rookie year showing up big time in training camp and in the preseason.
As a result, Schoonmaker's chances at the starting role took a determining hit. Now the question is: Is he being listed behind Hendershot a reality or a formality? In other words, is he actually the third-string TE or is the Cowboys coaching staff simply sending a message that he must still earn it?
Personally, I bet the latter. The Cowboys clearly like Schoonmaker and his profile as a superior blocker than Hendershot should get him on the field pretty often as the team is likely to show several 12 personnel (two tight ends) looks.
Keep in mind, there were whispers about Hendershot potentially losing his roster spot as a result of rookie John Stephen's rise. At one point, the front office confirmed Stephens was up for a 53-man roster spot. He was in no shape or form a lock to make the team.
Schoonmaker had impressive moments as a blocker in the preseason, paving the way for Deuce Vaughn's fantastic 14-yard touchdown versus the Seattle Seahawks and dominating a cornerback as a pulling blocker in a Malik Davis' explosive gain versus the Las Vegas Raiders.
Whatever the pecking order ends up being at tight end, everyone will have a chance to play in a thin room made up of three tight ends. Sean McKeon, who's currently in the practice squad, and RB/FB Hunter Luepke could also get some sort of involvement in the position later on.
Sunday Night should provide a fun look at what the Cowboys are thinking of the position on Mike McCarthy's new offense.
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QB1 will be back at it.
Featured image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
