Cowboys linked with star tight end in latest ESPN, PFF mock drafts

After Dalton Schultz left the Dallas Cowboys for the Houston Texans in free agency, "America's Team" is expected to potentially dip into the tight end pool at some point in the NFL Draft in an effort to replace his production. On Tuesday, two prominent publications were in lockstep on who that predecessor might be.

Both Todd McShay of ESPN and Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus had the Cowboys selecting Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer at No. 26. McShay reasons the selection by praising Mayer's versatility, saying he could provide a safety blanket for quarterback Dak Prescott as a complete tight end. McShay also called Mayer a "legit blocker" who could help open up lanes for running back Tony Pollard and the Dallas running game.

Renner brought similar praise Mayer's way, citing his "ultra-reliable receiving skills" as a way to provide a seamless transition from Schultz. Renner compared Mayer to a name Cowboys fans are very familiar with: Jason Witten.

The hype is not unwarranted, as Mayer had strong college production at Notre Dame, catching 138 passes for 1,649 yards and 16 touchdowns in his final two seasons. His play also translated well with PFF, who graded him with a 91.6 receiving grade and an 82.1 run-blocking grade.

As an athlete, Mayer is solid as well. Standing at 6' 4", he has prototypical size for the position and ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash. He tested above average in both the jumps and agility drills as well.

The Cowboys have not drafted a tight end in the first round since 1997 with the selection of David LaFleur out of LSU, who played just four seasons in the NFL before retiring with injury-related concerns. However, oddsmakers seem to think Dallas is in line to change that, as DraftKings currently has tight end as the most likely draft pick for the Cowboys in the first round (+175).

The Cowboys have been looking to add more to their offense, as evidenced by the acquisition of wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the Texans. Tight end is the only offensive position group that Dallas has not addressed through trade or free agency.

The Cowboys do have a pair of second-year tight ends in Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot who had 30 catches and five total touchdowns between them in 2022. During the two games Schultz missed with injury, the duo combined for 11 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown.

While Dallas could run it back with the sophomore tandem, the starts seem to be aligning for their to be a new man lining at tight end in AT&T Stadium.