These four tight ends for the Dallas Cowboys are looking to make a big splash on offense for the team. Despite losing a proven veteran in Dalton Schultz, the so-call four horsemen are a youthful bunch with untapped potential.
Dallas has had their fair share of success in tight ends in the past like future NFL Hall Of Famer, Jason Witten. New offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said he is excited about his first for this group when talking about his role. It seems like the Cowboys did not take a loss when the team lost Schultz. The team picked up second-round draft pick (58th overall), Luke Schoonmaker, to replace their departed playmaker. It’s the first time Dallas invested such a high pick at the position since they drafted Gavin Escobar in 2013. Despite Schoonmaker being out with a foot injury, Jake Ferguson is excited about the rest of the guys; Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon.
Big 10 ties that bind them ➡️ big expectations placed on them.
Reporter @_HaileySutton shares why "The Four Horsemen" in the tight end group are ready to get down to business. pic.twitter.com/jvb0FZQhnl
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) June 8, 2023
The “Four Horsemen” of the Dallas Cowboys Tight End Room
Luke Schoonmaker
When Schoonmaker returns from injury, he will bring some much-needed speed to the position. He ran a 4.63-second 40-yard dash at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, slightly faster than Witten’s 4.67-second dash back in 2003. While the two have similar physical gifts, only time will tell if Prescott and Schoonmaker can replicate the near-unstoppable Romo and Witten connection from days gone by.
This might’ve been what the Cowboys saw in Schoonmaker when they selected him in the second round. However, he has the talent to become a star at Dallas. Schoonmaker was rated a three-star prospect coming out of high school and was involved during the Jim Harbaugh era. Harbaugh said himself that Schoonmaker could be one of the best tight ends in Michigan.
Not only can he get open on the field, but he is regarded as one of the best-run blockers in his class. This can help Tony Pollard when running the ball and add cushion to Prescott’s offense line. If Schoonmaker can remain healthy when he returns, he can potentially play at his best with Mike McCarthy’s offense.
Jake Ferguson
Coming out of the University of Wisconsin, the Cowboys selected Ferguson in the fourth round in the 2022 NFL Draft. He recorded 145 receptions for 1,618 yards and 13 touchdowns in his career with the Badgers. Ferguson broke Lee Evans’ school record for consecutive games with a reception.
Although he barely had any playing time in 2022, he still recorded 19 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns. Also, known for his unique touchdown celebrations that can bring that special attitude to the team. Despite the Whack-a-mole celebrations, Ferguson brings that same attitude that he plans to translate on the field for 2023 when he starts for the Cowboys while Schoonmaker is out. He can be the guy to help Prescott on short third-down possessions and make big splashes on the field. Ferguson has the chance to share the excitement he has for the rest of the tight ends when he gets the start for the Cowboys in the regular season.
Dak Prescott to Jake Ferguson.
Ferg trying to separate himself as the clear TE1 here in Oxnard.#DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/4YKmCxs4PQ
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) July 27, 2023
Peyton Hendershot
Hendershot is yet another young tight end that can also bring height and versatility to the team. His aggressiveness was on display when he hurdled over a Giants’ defender in Week 3. While he only recorded 11 receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns with the Cowboys, he still has the chance to work with Ferguson in the huddle for the 2023 season.
In college, Hendershot finished his career in Indiana as the receptions and yardage leader. He was rated top pass-catcher despite his skill set not showing it statistically. Hendershot has the opportunity to emerge as the Cowboys’ latest undrafted free agent success story, after establishing himself as a rookie dynamic. With more playing time, he can be the difference maker. He and Ferguson playing together in their rookie years set them apart from the rest of the tight ends in the league to be an aggressive force for a long time.
Sean McKeon
McKeon is a little bit on the older side, but his experience with the team can be a learning lesson for Hendershot and Ferguson. He can be a great asset when running play-action and can provide an extra slot target for Prescott. McKeon also came from the same school that Schoonmaker went to, Michigan.
Mckeon is the “sleeper” for this season for the Cowboys. Despite signing right after the 2020 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent, he is someone that can teach Schoonmaker and the young group. He did not have much statistical success in Michigan, but that experience and mindset he carried while watching Schultz set him up to be a part of a group that is ready to blossom for 2023.
There’s no reason Dallas hasn’t kept him on the team just for him not to play. He gets that chance to be in the mix alongside Hendershot and Ferguson at the start of the season.
Impact on Dallas Cowboys Offense
It seems like Dalton Schultz’s exit will not have much of an impact at the tight-end position. It’s no secret that Schultz was a crucial asset for Dallas and served as a security blanket for Prescott. The four horsemen of the Dallas Cowboys tight end room are excited and ready to fill that void.
Schultz’s absence hasn’t been affecting the Cowboys tight ends so it seems like the team is moving on. All four bring speed, size, versatility, aggressiveness, and an attitude that can change the landscape for the Cowboys’ offense. The new hype attitude can be positive as it can wake up the offense in crucial fourth-quarter moments. They are getting eyes on the field as training camp is underway and the preseason will begin soon on Aug. 12th against the Jaguars.
Main Photo: Kim Klement – USA Today Sports
