Could lightning strike twice for the Dallas Cowboys when it comes to second-year tight ends in 2024?
If so, Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker may look to follow the blueprint set by teammate and positional top option Jake Ferguson.
Schoonmaker finished first-season in Dallas having compiled only 65 yards, while catching eight of his 15 targets (two of which were for touchdowns) in eight appearances. While his stats failed to illuminate the stat sheet - his rookie season has some labeling the second-round pick a "draft bust'' - his versatile skill set at the position ultimately led him to a wrestling match with Peyton Hendershot to be the No. 2 on the team’s tight end depth chart.
Though Schoonmaker’s limited resume may fail to provide sufficient evidence for a break out campaign in 2024, one need look no further than Ferguson’s successful encore to his rookie year performance this season to feed their optimism. After tallying only 19 receptions for 174 yards and two scores over 16 appearances in 2022, Ferguson significantly filled the void left by the departing Dalton Schultz by catching 71 passes for 761 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. In doing so, he secured the top spot at the position.
Still, Ferguson’s achievements do not guarantee similar results for Schoonmaker. The Cowboys second-rounder (No. 58 overall) must demonstrate the same — if not, stronger — resolve to be considered a key component in Dallas’ offense.
Fortunately for the Cowboys, Schoonmaker has the tools and the talent to do so.
At his best, Schoonmaker is an effective pass-catcher. He finished his 2022 season with Michigan with 35 catches for 418 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 11.9 yards-per-reception. Still, he found himself most-valued as a stout blocker in the run game at the pro level. His skill set as a blocker not only set him apart from several of his peers, it also allowed him to gain greater importance within the offensive strategy of coaches Mike McCarthy and Brian Schottenheimer — not to mention a target of quarterback Dak Prescott.
Schoonmaker combines both strength and body control to keep defenders at bay, while sealing the edges. During his tenure with the Wolverines, he became such an adept blocker that it has allowed him the chance to utilize the 'Y' delay concept in the passing game — in which the linebacker drops to defend the pass, but the presumed blocking tight end takes an open passing lane. As a result, the 6-6, 250-pound tight end has the tools to be more heavily-utilized weapon off of play-action for Prescott, attacking up the seams, in the flats, or on crossing routes.
With McCarthy and Schottenheimer expected to remain in place for the upcoming season. Schoonmaker is likley to be given the chance to build upon a pedestrian rookie season. Schottenheimer is especially known to scheme up several 12-personnel packages (one running back, two tight ends, and two receivers and empty backfield formations on third down. Should he utilize Shoonmaker in such a role, he may find the field immediately as a solid depth piece alongside Ferguson.
All he needs to do is work hard and follow his teammate’s example.
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