Three potential TE options for Cowboys in 2023 NFL Draft

On Monday, TE Dalton Schultz spurned Dallas for Houston, agreeing to sign a one-year, $9M deal with the Texans. But the Cowboys can quickly find a potential replacement in a draft class rich at the position.

"Tight end is arguably the strongest position group in the 2023 NFL Draft. There's a real possibility we could see seven-plus tight ends come off the board by the end of Day 2, which hasn't happened since 2019," wrote Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner. 

Dallas shouldn't miss out. Here are three targets that should be on its radar. 

Michael Mayer, Notre Dame 

Mayer already drew comparisons to former Cowboys TE Jason Witten, the club's all-time receiving leader.

"Despite Witten's athletic limitations, though, he still had a six-year stretch where he averaged 92 catches and 1,018 yards in a season. So it's easy to see Mayer slotting into such a role," wrote Renner. 

In 2022, Mayer was a first-team All-American and led TEs in receiving TDs with nine in 12 games. His run-blocking ability stood out, too. Per PFF, he posted an 82.1 grade, fifth-best among TEs.

Per Tankathon, the Cowboys will select Mayer with the 26th pick in the NFL Draft.

Dalton Kincaid, Utah

Kincaid possesses excellent receiving ability. In 2022, he had 70 receptions in 12 games (first among TEs). The Utah TE also has decent size (6-foot-4, 246 pounds), creating potential mismatches with DBs.  
The blend of passing-catching skills and physical traits gives him versatility and makes him a prospect scouts covet. 

"He fits the mold of what NFL teams want from their 'move' TE," wrote ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr.

Dallas could use one more game-changers in its passing game, which ranked 14th in yards last season. However, Kincaid's weakness is run-blocking. According to PFF, he had a 59.5 run-blocking grade, which ranked 91st at his position. At the combine, Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy said, "I want to run the damn ball."

Darnell Washington, Georgia

Georgia TE Brock Bowers was a second-team All-American, reducing Washington's role. Therefore, his numbers don't pop off the stat sheet. He recorded 28 receptions in 15 games.

Nonetheless, it's hard to ignore his physical stature (6-foot-7, 264 pounds) and good pass-catching tools. 

"Washington has the size and blocking skills of an offensive tackle but moves with the prowess of a pass-catching TE," wrote The Athletic's Dane Brugler. 

He's not as polished as other prospects, meaning he may take more time to develop. It could be worthwhile, though, given his upside.