Dallas Cowboys Complete Mock Draft 2023: Upgrade Season
![Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) blocks Akron Zips defensive lineman Kyle Thomas (55) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports Sep 17, 2022; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) blocks Akron Zips defensive lineman Kyle Thomas (55) during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bryan Lynn-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/97424b0ba8d9c16e87634dfc97eeba9240259802e124fec82cff3fa53ddb65a6.jpg)
The Dallas Cowboys select Luke Schoonmaker, tight end from the University of Michigan.
Out of one door walked fan favorite Dalton Schultz and into the next door is his replacement. Standing at 6’5″ 251lbs, Schoonmaker will have fans enamored with his size and ability. He is almost a mirror image of what Schultz was early in his career. Tight ends coach Lunda Wells will have a field day with a guy with this type of untapped potential.
During his college years, he left a lot to be desired but did enough to be worthy of a top-100 pick. There is not a large disparity between the Dalton Kincaids of the world and Luke Schoonmaker. If anything, I would not be surprised if Luke ended with a better career than the top 2 or 3 prospects considered at the position.
His size is the starting point. He has the potential to be a red zone threat and someone who can threaten the middle of the field on the two deep zone type of defensive plays. It took some time for the light to click on, but you could see the immediate results when it did. His senior season with J.J. McCarthy at the helm he hauled in 35 receptions for 418 yards. With a legitimate pro quarterback at the helm, it wouldn’t take much to convince me that he would be more effective at the next level.
Should fans expect much from a blocking standpoint? Yes, you should fully expect that early in his career. He doesn’t have the size and strength of a Darnell Washington but at a third-round pick that’s value the Cowboys shouldn’t pass up.
He wouldn’t have to be thrown into the deep in during his rookie season. Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot should get their chance to secure those top two spots. However, bringing on a young prospect who could push for playing time and eventually take the starting spot should be the plan.
Luke has already met with Dallas at the NFL combine formally. The Cowboys love picking players with the mold of what they view the player should look like. Schoonmaker fits the tight end mold. This pick just makes too much sense.