Dallas Cowboys: Tyrone Swoopes Could be the Perfect Sleeper
By Reid Hanson
If the Dallas Cowboys draft Tyrone Swoopes next month they may be drafting a sleeper who’s four players for the price of one.
The NFL Draft is only one month away and draft boards have begun to take shape. For a team like the Dallas Cowboys, who have more holes on their roster than draft picks available, Tyrone Swoops may be the perfect pick.
Tyrone Swoopes, the 6’4” 250lbs jack-of-all trades, is ready to make a position change. Again. The former University of Texas starting quarterback, turned backup quarterback, turned running back, is now looking to be an NFL tight end.
Currently working at the Michael Johnson Performance Center, Swoops is busy honing his skills for the next level. Position changes are never easy, but considering Swoops has successfully done so already once before, he could boast an aptitude for transition.
At Texas last season, Tyrone Swoopes became a fan-favorite headlining the “18-Wheeler” formation. Swoopes, No. 18, was the Longhorns not-so-secret weapon. Despite standing 6’4”, Swoopes embraced contact like few quarterbacks (current or former) do.
He ran between the tackles without pause, lowering his head and abusing opponents. It’s that physicality mixed with his QB intelligence that makes the move to TE possible. The former signal-caller knows the routes and where the ball must be delivered. Now on the receiving end of the equation, Swoopes has a better understanding of timing, spacing, and technique.
His proven love for contact will no-doubt help him in the process of becoming and all-around TE who is also capable of pass-blocking and run-blocking.
"“Of course I’m a physical guy,” Swoopes said in a DMN interview. “But I’m just not used to actuallu getting my hands on people and trying to move them in a certain direction.”"
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Four positions for the price of one?
His physical ability makes him a worthwhile player to consider on Day 3 of the NFL Draft, but his versatility makes him almost a lock. His future isn’t at QB but he does have some undeniable skills in that area. As a pro, he can be used as an emergency No 3 QB for a team that doesn’t like to carry a third QB on their 53-man roster. A team like the Dallas Cowboys.
Given his build, he’s not an ideal option at running back either.
But last season he played against NFL talent and won as a runner. He could do that again in the NFL either as a read-option or running back. Like QB, he could provide depth and save the Cowboys a roster spot should they opt to go light at running back.
As a tight end, most assume he will be primarily a receiving threat given his athleticism. But as someone who’s unafraid of contact, Swoopes could be an effective blocker as well. Most importantly, Swoopes could play the elusive H-back role the Cowboys have been searching for.
Watch the highlights and you can see he’s an effective non-traditionally built runner who isn’t afraid of contact. He’s a gimmick passer but a legit tight end prospect with dominant physical ability.
Given his time running the ball from the backfield, lining up as an H-back wouldn’t feel as foreign to Swoopes as it does most TEs. Considering the Cowboys only use a traditional fullback a handful of times per week, a good H-back could effectively replace the FB on the Dallas Cowboys, saving yet another roster spot.
Next: Why the Cowboys May Not Be Drafting a Pass-Rusher
Tyrone Swoopes isn’t just a familiar face playing for our favorite team, he’s a late-round pick capable of excelling at TE and giving the Cowboys extra roster spots to boot.