Dallas Cowboys meet with TE Leonard Taylor: Draft Profile
By Reid Hanson
According to reports, the Dallas Cowboys have met with a number of rookie tight ends at the 2023 NF Combine in Indianapolis. With Dalton Schultz expected to depart in free agency, Dallas is in the market for new tight end. Not to replace Schultz, but to round out the top-3 rotation.
Jake Ferguson is penciled in as the top dog in the TE hierarchy. Unless the Dallas Cowboys target the position in the top two rounds, chances are Ferg will be the TE1.
The Dallas Cowboys met with Cincinnati tight end, Leonard Taylor, at the combine.
One of the tight ends the Cowboys met with last week was Leonard Taylor from Cincinnati. Taylor, 6-foot-5, 250-pounds, is built like a prototypal inline tight end. His big frame and length allow him to be part offensive lineman and part pass-catcher.
In the mold of Jason Witten, physically, the former four-star recruit is built to do it all. Even tough he wasn’t used as a weapon much in college, Taylor possessed the pass-catching skills needed at the NFL level.
He showed consistent hands and contested ball prowess that make him a legitimate weapon in the passing game. His route running is undeveloped and his YAC ability and deep speed is nonexistent, but Taylors and hands and frame make him well rounded prospected.
As a blocker, Taylor stands out. He’s an elite pass protector who could handle roles in one-on-ones, or as a help blocker for tackles facing tough matchups. He’s a strong run blocker as well, capable of blocking on a backside or play side in numerous schemes.
Usually prospects are looked at whether they can duplicate their success at a higher level. There’s little question of that for Taylor as he may be the rare talent who’s a better professional player than he was a collegiate player.
Projected Draft Spot: TDN has Taylor as a fourth round pick because us this ultra deep draft class. Teams that are looking for a mismatch weapon downfield won’t be interested in Taylor but teams looking for a blocker will be captivated.
On the Dallas Cowboys Leonard Taylor fits as the primary blocking specialist early. Ferguson is well rounded and Peyton Hendershot is more pass-catcher. Taylor has starter potential and comes with a high floor. There’s a lot to like so it’s understandable Dallas met with him at the combine.