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Dallas Cowboys Draft: 5 Tight Ends for 5 Rounds

By Adithya Prabakaran

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Cole Kmet #TE08 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Cole Kmet
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Cole Kmet #TE08 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Cole Kmet /
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Dallas Cowboys
Hunter Bryant (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Hunter Bryant, Washington

Round Grade: 4th

Value: Slight Reach

The Washington Husky had his best season in 2019 where he tallied 52 receptions, 825 yards, and three touchdowns. The strong finish was why he started to gain some traction as a potential top tight end in this class. In a class without a standout prospect, Bryant’s receiving production stands out

Even though he has a below-average athletic profile, Bryant is good at separating against linebackers. Bryant has impressive agility for someone who is 245 pounds and it helps him get past slower linebackers. Throw in his good ball tracking and soft hands and he projects as a good receiver.

However, the athleticism of PAC-12 linebackers don’t compare to those in the NFL, which is why he will need to work on somethings at the next level. He needs to improve his route running if he wants to separate at the next level. Standing at a smaller 6-foot-2 and 248 pounds with 32-inch arms, he will initially struggle against press coverage. If he gets stronger, this issue becomes less prevalent.

Lastly, even though he averaged an insane 16.4 yards per catch, many of his catches were schemed up. Odds are, he won’t have an offensive coordinator with the same creativity of former Washington head coach Chris Petersen. He will need to expand his route tree and still be confident in getting extra yards after the catch like he did in college.

I also haven’t mentioned how his smaller stature is a net-negative in the run blocking department where bigger edge defenders and linebackers had field days running by him.

With the Cowboys always drafting in the middle of the round, drafting Bryant in the third round would be a questionable move. There are concerns about how well his size would translate to the league. After an okay showing at the combine, his athleticism will not help him overcome his current deficiencies in size and strength.

With too many questions surrounding Bryant, it doesn’t make sense for the Cowboys to draft a tight end in the third round.

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