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Cowboys roster projections: Two undrafted rookies are about to have an all-out battle for a roster spot that neither is guaranteed
Jake Crandall/ Advertiser / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Dallas Cowboys' tight end position is set to have multiple battles all at once.

Though you can fully expect Jake Ferguson to start and be one of Dak Prescott's most targeted pass-catchers, TE2 is up for grabs and so is the last spot on the 53-man roster.

Ahead of training camp, I'm looking at every position and predicting what the roster will look like. After diving into quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers, it's time to dive into the tight ends. 

Every Cowboys tight end on the 90-man roster

  • Jake Ferguson
  • Luke Schoonmaker
  • Brevyn Spann-Ford
  • John Stephens Jr. 
  • Princeton Fant
  • Tyler Neville (rookie UDFA)
  • Rivaldo Fairweather (rookie UDFA)

What we heard from OTAs, minicamp: Brevyn Spann-Ford aiming for TE2 job

Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams comes from an offense where tight ends play a major part in the run game and Spann-Ford might be the perfect fit. At Minnesota, run blocking was his specialty and he showed flashes of why as a rookie. Most importantly, he debunked concerns about drops during his final year in college, which likely were a result of injury.

Spann-Ford and Schoonmaker arrived with different expectations to the team. But going into the 2025 NFL season, there's a real possibility the former undrafted free agent beats the former second-round pick. 

Schoonmaker has some solid run blocking reps of his own to brag about, so expect this to be a fun battle in Oxnard, California. 

53-man roster spotlight: Undrafted rookies might be battling each other for a spot

Speaking of camp battles, let's look at the bottom of the depth chart. It's fair to assume Jake Ferguson, Schoonmaker, and Spann-Ford are all roster locks but expect one more name to round out the position. 

That final player could very well be an undrafted rookie. The Cowboys guaranteed Rivaldo Fairweather (Auburn) $150,000 and Tyler Neville (Virginia) $100,000. Consider them to have a strong shot at making the 53-man roster if they stand out in training camp. 

However, Princeton Fant and John Stephens Jr.—former undrafted players themselves—will make sure their spot isn't guaranteed as they edge them out in experience. 

Final prediction

IN: Jake Ferguson, Luke Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford, Rivaldo Fairweather**
OUT: Princeton Fant, John Stephens Jr., Tyler Neville**

The Cowboys haven't shied away from carrying rookie UDFA tight ends on the roster, and I'm giving the highest-paid one from the class the edge here. However, it will be a tight, fun battle that will largely be decided on special teams. Stay tuned. 

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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