Dallas Cowboys

2017 NFL Draft: 7 Tight End Targets for the Dallas Cowboys

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 2:43 p.m. ET

Fansided, Randy Gurzi/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

With tight end Jason Witten nearing the end of his career the Dallas Cowboys may be ready to find his heir, here are seven prospects in the 2017 NFL Draft

The 2017 NFL Draft will be here before we know it. This time though the draft has a different feel. In 2016 the team needed a quarterback of the future to groom, and they also needed a running back. They had just finished a 4-12 season and so much felt wrong about them.

Now they have their franchise quarterback in Dak Prescott. He was so good that the grooming process never took place and he won the starting quarterback job as a rookie. They also got one of the best running backs in the league in Ezekiel Elliott with their fourth overall pick. Zeke wound up leading the NFL in rushing yardage in his first year in the league.

Other key pieces were snatched up like defensive tackle Maliek Collins in round three and cornerback Anthony Brown in round six. Both started several games and look to bey key players for years to come. That’s all without even getting second round pick Jaylon Smith on the field yet. The Notre Dame linebacker was one of the best in the country and could be an absolute beast should he return to full health.

After hitting on so many picks last season, this draft feels less desperate. The Cowboys aren’t looking for too many huge impact guys outside of a pass rusher, which means they can mostly focus on drafting the best players available. If the chips fall right, that best player could very well be a tight end to eventually replace Jason Witten.

Witten has been one of the best at his position for years, but he turns 35 this spring and can’t have too many years left. If Dallas wants to find their next starter at this spot, here are seven spots they can look.

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

1. O.J. Howard — Alabama

Part of one of the best programs in NCAA history, O.J. Howard leaves the Alabama Crimson Tide looking to make an immediate impact as a pro. He is the only tight end consistently mocked in the first round thanks to being the most complete player at his position.

Vitals

Height: 6-6
Weight: 251-Pounds
Total Receptions: 114
Receiving Yards:: 1,726
Total Touchdowns: 7

What the Scouts Say

Scouts love the versatility of Howard. He isn’t an oversized receiver afraid to block and he isn’t a small lineman unable to run routes. He is a complete weapon that can thrive doing whatever is asked of him out of the tight end spot. Mike Mayock of the NFL Network had huge praise for Howard, comparing him to Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers for both his blocking and receiving abilities. Olsen is one of the top players at his position today, so this is an incredible compliment.

Just too easy for O.J. Howard pic.twitter.com/gqCqAdHzny

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) January 25, 2017

Will He Land in Dallas?

If Howard is there at pick No. 28 he would be one of the few players worth passing on defense. Prescott was such an amazing player last season and it would be great to see how much he could grow with someone like Howard in the middle of the field. Unfortunately the more people see him in drills, the less chance there is for him to slip to Dallas. Howard was underutilized by the Crimson Tide, but that won’t happen in the NFL. Unfortunately it won’t be for Dallas either unless 27 teams decide to ignore his skills.

Oct 11, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Pharoah Brown (85) is pursued by UCLA Bruins linebacker Myles Jack (30) on a 31-yard touchdown pass in the second quarter at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

2. Pharaoh Brown — Oregon

One of the more talented players the Oregon Ducks have had in recent years (outside of quarterback Marcus Mariota of course), tight end Pharoah Brown has been talked about for all the wrong reasons. Brown has been accused of three acts of violence, two against teammates and one against his girlfriend. A tough knee injury in 2014 set him back, but a strong 2016 proved he still can play. Will his on-field attributes be enough to outweigh his off-field transgressions?

Vitals

Height: 6-6
Weight: 250 pounds
Total Receptions: 70
Receiving Yards:1,011
Total Touchdowns: 13

What the Scouts Say

He isn’t a great blocker, but has improved since joining the Oregon program. Where he really excels is as a pass catcher and that will be his role going forward should an NFL team give him a shot. Jason Blair of The Draftster had this to say about Brown:

Pharaoh has the size and speed to create mismatches, as he regularly outruns all but the most elite LBs and is too big for safeties to cover. Brown has an excellent catch radius and he uses his leaping ability to go up and get balls in traffic as well as haul in off-target throws. His ball catching technique is textbook: he uses his hands away from his body to envelop the ball and bring it into his body, tucking it away quickly.

Will He Land in Dallas?

You would have to think that after the Greg Hardy fiasco of 2015, the Dallas Cowboys would be done with players that have off field issues. They also are still dealing with an ongoing investigation of Ezekiel Elliott, which has turned into a complete joke thanks to the league thinking they know more than the law and can drag cases on for eternity. Still, Brown has undeniable talent and the Kansas City Chiefs know that if that talent performs, people forgive.

The Chiefs selected receiver Tyreek Hill in the fifth round last season. He was accused of punching and choking his pregnant girlfriend and even confessed to as much. He performs and the league is okay with it. There are no jokes about the owner hiring murderers and criminals like there are in Dallas (because we all know Dallas is the only team that has ever had a player with a checkered past). In the end if Dallas believes the outside voices and distractions aren’t worth the production they won’t even look at Brown. And in all honesty, they will probably think that and not look at Brown.

Sep 10, 2016; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) makes a reception for a touchdown in the second quarter against the UCF Knights at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jake Butt — Michigan

A torn ACL in the Orange Bowl could really hurt the stock of Michigan tight end Jake Butt. He was at one point a favorite to be the second player taken at his position, after O.J. Howard. He hasn’t officially been ruled out of the 2017 season, but may slide down a round or two due to the injury.

Vitals

Height: 6-6
Weight: 250 pounds
Total Receptions: 138
Receiving Yards: 1,646
Total Touchdowns: 11

What the Scouts Say

His receiving skills are what people rave about. Much like Jason Witten, Butt is able to create space despite lacking speed. He wins with solid route running and toughness. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com noted this about Butt:

Michigan’s Jake Butt, a senior, won’t dazzle anyone with his long speed or shiftiness in the open field, but he finds ways to get open and you won’t find a tougher tight end in the college game when it comes to making the contested catch.

Michigan TE Jake Butt, finding soft spot in coverage. pic.twitter.com/VFDPrg2nW7

— Football Tape (@footballfilm247) December 20, 2016

He’s not perfect as a blocker, but has the ability. His biggest issue in this area is consistency, but in time that could very well be corrected. He would still be able to contribute immediately even with his blocking a question. Dane Brugler of CBS Sports compounded on Butt’s scouting report with his blocking:

As a blocker, Butt uses length to keep defenders from his body, but struggles to consistently anchor and sustain in space. He needs to better use his lower body to mirror inline and let go of jerseys to avoid the holding penalties. Although he needs seasoning as a blocker, Butt has very few weaknesses as a receiving threat and has the skills ready to help a NFL offense right now.

Will He Land in Dallas?

Looking at linebackers Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith and Bruce Carter this has all the feel of a Dallas pick. Should Butt fall to the third round, expect the Cowboys to be interested. He is similar in Witten to size and playing style and the injury won’t hurt Dallas as much as other teams. Witten was still going strong last season, which means Butt’s rookie year could be one in which he gets fully healthy and winds up taking over in a year or two.

Nov 5, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Jeremy Sprinkle (83) runs after a catch in the second quarter against the Florida Gators at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jeremy Sprinkle — Arkansas

He gained some unwanted notoriety for a “shoplifting fiasco” back in December, but Arkansas tight end Jeremy Sprinkle is a physical specimen looking to prove he belongs in the NFL. After a slow start to his career for the Razorbacks, he broke out for 60 receptions and ten touchdowns during his final two seasons.

Vitals

Height: 6-6
Weight: 256 pounds
Total Receptions: 71
Receiving Yards: 921
Total Touchdowns: 11

What the Scouts Say

He is considered a traditional tight end that can not only catch the ball, but also deliver a block. He has the size to line up next to the tackle and clear some lanes, but the route running skills to be a threat in the red zone as well. Rob Rang of CBS Sports offered this:

Teams looking for a traditional full-feature tight end will like Sprinkle, who appears just as satisfied with delivering a block in the running game as he is catching touchdowns. Though not a featured target in Arkansas’ offense like his predecessors, Sprinkle collects the ball cleanly as a receiver and is surprisingly effective after the catch, running with both speed and power.

Will He Land in Dallas?

Sure, someone will point to owner Jerry Jones’ ties to Arkansas, but that’s foolish. The team rarely drafts players from there, so it isn’t like he’s jaded that way. They will also probably tie Sprinkle stealing from a Belk to former Cowboys running back Joseph Randle stealing underwear and cologne from Dillard’s. That will probably be a turn-off for the team since the Randle incident turned out so rough.

Dec 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies tight end Bucky Hodges (7) runs after a catch in the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the Belk Bowl at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

5. Bucky Hodges — Virginia Tech

More of a receiving threat than true tight end, Virginia Tech’s Bucky Hodges could very well hear his name called early in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has a massive frame and can use his size to become a complete beast in the red zone. He never had less than six touchdowns in a season for the Hokies, but was still somewhat underutilized by them.

Vitals

Height: 6-7
Weight: 245 pounds
Total Receptions: 133
Receiving Yards: 1,747
Total Touchdowns: 20

What the Scouts Say

He’s been compared to players like Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess and Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Julius Thomas. Funchess played tight end at Michigan, but was moved to wide out after being drafted. Thomas likes up as a tight end, but is not known for his blocking. Hodges is similar to both in that he doesn’t have a true position, but his skills as a pass catcher cannot be denied. Erik Lambert over at NFL Mocks said this about Hodges:

His incomplete skill set does not fall in line with what makes a top 32 selection. Even so, there will be one team who sees his enormous value as a pass catcher on Day 2 and pulls the trigger. Hodges will be an immediate help through the air. If he can improve his technique and add more weight, there’s also a chance he can shore up the one area of his game holding him back.

Bucky Hodges will be a tremendous receiving TE in the NFL, but he won't be a 1st round pick because of blocking like this. pic.twitter.com/GRlIi0lcSB

— Erik Lambert (@ErikLambert1) January 16, 2017

Bucky Hodges drops some really easy ones but pulls me back in with these types of plays. pic.twitter.com/848hLVOd2a

— Ian Wharton (@NFLFilmStudy) January 21, 2017

Will He Land in Dallas?

While a player like this would be exciting to see paired with Dak Prescott, it most likely will never happen. Dallas expects their tight ends to block and they already had their fling with a “pass catching tight end” in Gavin Escobar. He was selected in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and never became an effective blocker, thus keeping him sidelined for most of his career. The only way he ends up in Dallas is if they see him as a receiver and forget the blocking. He may not be quick enough for that however.

December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Jordan Leggett (16) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

6. Jordan Leggett — Clemson

Part of the 2017 National Championship team, Jordan Leggett is one of the less-discussed tight ends heading into the draft. The Clemson player has shown a knack for hauling in the tough passes and is an adequate, although not great, blocker.

Vitals

Height: 6-5
Weight: 260 pounds
Total Receptions: 112
Receiving Yards: 1,598
Total Touchdowns: 18

What the Scouts Say

In a stout tight end class it’s easy to look over a guy like Leggett. He played on a team stacked with stars and probably never gets the credit he deserves. He has all the tools to be a stud in the NFL and should be an early pick. CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler said this of the Clemson tight end:

Against Virginia Tech, Leggett’s package of skills were on display with the route acceleration to win man coverage and the size and ball skills to pluck fastballs from the air. He isn’t an overwhelming blocker, but does a great job extending his long arms and delivering a pop at contact to get defenders off-balance…In a stocked tight end class, Leggett secured himself as a Day 2 prospect capable of starter reps as a rookie.

????????????@DeshaunWatson4 ➡️@JordanLeggett16 pic.twitter.com/JtoJdutuqD

— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) January 10, 2017

Will He Land in Dallas?

If Dallas had no holes on defense and needed a tight end, this guy would be the perfect pick. Unfortunately their premium picks will be needed to fix their defense and by the time they feel comfortable drafting a tight end, Leggett will probably already be gone. He is currently looking like a second-round pick, but would probably be gone by the time Dallas gets on the clock in that round. Leggett doesn’t seem like the player Dallas will spend their first-round pick on either.

Nov 5, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end David Njoku (86) leaps over Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Terrish Webb (2) for a touchdown during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

7. David Njoku — Miami

A redshirt sophomore for the Miami Hurricanes, David Njoku is ready to make the jump to the pros after just two seasons. He’s still a work in progress thanks to his limited playing time, but he was brilliant for the Hurricanes last season.

Vitals

Height: 6-4
Weight: 245 pounds
Total Receptions: 64 Receptions
Receiving Yards: 1,040
Total Touchdowns: 9

What the Scouts Say

Njoku doesn’t have prototypical size for a tight end, but he can always add some weight. What makes that less of a concern is that he isn’t just a pass catcher. He recorded eight touchdowns in 2016 but is getting just as much praise for his willingness to block. Jon Dove of With the First Pick gave us this about Njoku:

As a blocker, Njoku fights to gain inside hand placement and knows how to use angles. He does a good job extending his arms and sealing the defender from the play. Njoku needs to get stronger, but is a willing blocker who keeps his legs moving after contact.

NEW at @draftbreakdown: TE David Njoku (Miami) vs West Virginia (2016) https://t.co/XqEbKOuvaZ pic.twitter.com/mBvJMzp0HZ

— Matheus Milanez (@biffmila) January 27, 2017

David Njoku in 5 targets. Yup, he's a player pic.twitter.com/Sig9jR7VVH

— KP (@KP_Show) January 22, 2017

Njoku is a rising star and will only see that light shine brighter once the combine rolls around. He is an outstanding athlete that may creep into the first round.

Will He Land in Dallas?

Before it would have made sense to see Njoku wind up in Dallas in the second round. Lately he has been getting much more praise for his play and then turned heads during Senior Bowl drills. Now to wind up in Dallas he would probably have to slip some. Like some of these other talents, it would be a lot of fun to see him work with this young group of offensive weapons they have. Maybe Dallas will be interested, and he would be up there with Howard in terms of being worth a premium pick. They would just have to be real confident in their ability to get a pass rusher in the second round.