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Cowboys Minicamp Off To Ominous Start For Luke Schoonmaker
Andrew Dieb-Imagn Images

One player we earmarked as one to keep an eye on this offseason for the Dallas Cowboys was former second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker.

Tight end coach Lunda Wells stated before OTAs began that it was crucial "Schoon" got on the grass after two interrupted offseasons that put him behind. 

And after two years of so-so play, this offseason was looming as a decisive one for Schoonmaker, but as minicamp got underway at The Star, our insider Mike Fisher, who had a front-row seat to proceedings, had a rather ominous outlook for Schoon.

"He's getting beat out again by Brevyn Spann-Ford," Fish said on The Fish Report. "Brevyn Spann-Ford, he's the number two tight end, and depending on how they line up, what formation they line up in, when we talk about third receiver, he might be the "quote" third receiver. If it wasn't for draft status and all the rest, and I'm not saying they're going to give snaps on draft status, but they're not cutting Schoon, but Schoon isn't doing anything close to Brevyn Spann-Ford, not even close."

That doesn't bode well for Luke.

As Fish states, Dallas won't cut Schoonmaker, but having an undrafted free agent outshine you in such a way isn't great. Yes, it is early in the offseason, but Schoonmaker already feels like he is struggling against the tide.

Let's not forget, Spann-Ford, when Jake Ferguson was going through his concussion issues last season, saw the field and looked more than respectable, having back-to-back games of 42 and 24 yards, while he had a 20-yard game against the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the year.

This was supposed to be Schoonmaker's chance to establish himself as a key member of the offense and possibly take over from Ferguson next season, if his contract situation unfolds as many expect.

But right now, it would be Spann-Ford taking that role.

Yes, it's early, but Luke isn't off to the best of starts.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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