Dallas Cowboys Draft: TE Zack Kuntz Profile (match-up nightmare)

The Dallas Cowboys have a number of different angles they can take when they address the tight end position. Assuming Dalton Schultz is gone, the depth chart will likely look like this: Jake Ferguson, Peyton Hendershot and Sean McKeon.

If the Cowboys want to run heavy 12 personnel (doubtful) they may opt to invest in a top-100 TE in the draft. If they plan to pull back on the 12 personnel they may prefer to add a Day 3 TE to the mix since the snaps will be sparse.

Zack Kuntz is a tight end prospect who can be slowly developed and be a mismatch nightmare for the Dallas Cowboys.

Hailing from Old Dominion, Kuntz isn’t coming from a powerhouse school where he’s been tested to his fullest. The 6-foot-8 245 pound tight end is one of the longest prospects in the class. Yet, the former Penn State transfer is coming off a short season and may not be ready for the enormous leap to the pros in 2023

With just 12 receptions for 144 yards and two touchdowns, he’s efficient but missed time to injuries. Just one year prior, Kuntz broke out, posting 73 receptions for 692 yards and five touchdowns.

He’s played inline, in the slot and even out wide. He’s a good route runner who understands coverages, knows how to use his size, and is a natural pass catcher.  He’s a good athlete for his size and can fight for the ball and win with his length and strong hands.

As one might expect from a 6-foot-8 tight end, blocking can be a challenge. His center of balance is high so unless he squares up and gets low, he’s inconsistent as a blocker. But he shows willingness and could be developed more as a blocker in the NFL.

The Dallas Cowboys wouldn’t draft him for his blocking ability, but rather his pass catching. He’s a match-up nightmare who shows a feel for the passing game and dominant in the red zone. He’s not going to stretch the field or break tackles but he’s almost ungradable making him a walking “chain-mover.”

If the Dallas Cowboys want to give Dak Prescott a big target this is the player they need to draft and develop.

Projected Draft Spot: The Draft Network has Zack Kuntz as an early pick on Day 3. Testing over the next few months should have a big impact so look for his three-cone and 40-time to make an impact in one direction or the other.

Zack Kuntz is someone who’s developmental but can still contribute in spot situations as a rookie.