The Dallas Cowboys will likely target defense early and often in the NFL Draft, but they could spend a pick or two on the offensive side of the ball. If they do, tight end could be an area the team targets. Dallas doesn't have an immediate need, but they could look for an eventual heir to Jason Witten.
The re-signing of Jason Witten to a four-year deal lessens the need for the Cowboys, although there's a solid chance he doesn't play out that contract and retires beforehand. The Cowboys spent a sixth rounder on Rico Gathers, but he's as raw as they come and needs at least another year of development. With that in mind, here are four TEs the Cowboys could take in the 2017 NFL Draft.
1. David Njoku, Miami (FL)
Again, I don't think the Cowboys will take an offensive player early this year, especially in the first round. But if Njoku is on the board for the Cowboys in Round, it would be a discussion in the war room. It might be a brief one, but it'd be considered. Njoku is an amazing athlete and would be a more dynamic player at the tight end spot.
2. Jake Butt, Michigan
Butt is an injured player and plays tight end. That checks off two of the Cowboys' favorite boxes for round two picks. But I don't think the Cowboys go that route. Instead, they'll focus on defense early and often. It'd be tempting though: Butt could take a redshirt year and learn behind Jason Witten before taking over as the Cowboys new tight end. The Cowboys also met with him at the Combine.
3. George Kittle, Iowa
Kittle is one of my favorite underrated prospects this year. He's the best blocking tight end in the draft and lit up the Combine as well. He wasn't used a ton at Iowa, but he could end up being a reliable, rounded starting tight end in the NFL. He could be an option in Round 4, if he lasts that long. In one of the best tight end classes in recent memory, Kittle could end up being a steal.
4. Jonnu Smith, FIU
The most likely scenario (and perhaps most preferred) is the Cowboys waiting until late in the draft to take a TE. Smith might best be known for the strange story of getting boiling water thrown on him by his pregnant girlfriend, but he's a pretty good player too. A bit undersized and not a great blocker, Smith is a good athlete who fits as the "move tight end" that's popular in today's NFL.
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