The Cowboys Can’t Replace a future TE Hall of Famer

The Dallas Cowboys are applying a social research experiment in 2018. They are testing whether utilizing replacement level performers and…

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The Cowboys Can’t Replace a future TE Hall of Famer

Schultz is solid in all facets but ultimately a JAG

The Dallas Cowboys are applying a social research experiment in 2018. They are testing whether utilizing replacement level performers and rookies at wide receiver and tight end will limit their offense. The beneficiaries of this strategy are Allen Hurns (free agent WR), Tavon Austin (acquisition), Michael Gallop (rookie WR) and Dalton Schultz (rookie TE). Schultz was selected in the late 4th round. The nations top TE recruit in 2014, he has been groomed at “Tight End U” (Stanford has produced a plethora of NFL caliber/starting TE’s in recent history such Coby Fleener, Zach Ertz, Austin Hooper and Levine Toilolo). Schultz though looks pedestrian on tape. He makes all the basic plays, demonstrates a willingness as a blocker but there is no above average skill set in his game. In short, Schultz is just another guy and unless Dallas decides to force feed him targets (possible given dearth of receiving options), this isn’t a fantasy-worthy player in ’18 (if ever).

TE Dalton Schultz

• Size: 6’6” / 247
• Draft Selection: #137 (2018)
• Depth Chart: TE2 (competing w/ veterans Geoff Swaim & Rico Gathers for starter reps)
• ’18 Outlook: TE3 (TE2+ if he quickly adapts to NFL)
• Athletic Profile: Mediocre (Player Profiler)
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/binghamballer9/
• NFL Comparison: Dion Sims

Outlook: Schultz is a JAG (just another guy), his outlook is at best as a backup fantasy tight end. The Stanford product has a mediocre athletic profile & college production, yet he does enter a strong opportunity in Dallas. The Cowboys are devoid of any established targets. If Schultz can flash in training camp and the team fails to find better options, it’s possible he could shock with high-end TE2 production. That’s likely his ceiling in ’18 and possibly his career.

Opportunity: Dallas lost a ton of targets from last year’s team (Dez Bryant & Jason Witten are primary reasons). The tight end position is wide open, leaving this as an ideal landing spot for Schultz. That said this won’t be a prolific passing offense and there are many replacement level competitors. If the team had more draft capital in Schultz, it would be reasonable to expect them to force the ball to him. As a 4th round selection though, he will have to earn it and at best he’s looking like a mediocre option.

Long-term: Schultz has the size, blocking ability and solid hands to stick in the NFL for a decade. He just does not have any above average skill, particularly from a passing standpoint, to project him as more than a long-term fantasy backup option.