Why Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz could be a fantasy star

Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and running back Ezekiel Elliott are the Cowboys who could fly off fantasy draft boards. Tight end Dalton Schultz probably won't, but he's the Cowboy owners should target.  

“In the fantasy world, Schultz is the real deal. And, in these eyes, the best the Cowboys have at his position,” Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw writes.

Schultz is not only the Cowboys' best tight end. He's one of the best tight ends in fantasy. According to Pro Football Focus, Schultz was fifth in average points-per-reception last season. The only tight ends with a higher average were Travis Kelce (Chiefs), Mark Andrews (Ravens), George Kittle (49ers) and Rob Gronkowski (Bucs), who retired this summer.

Schultz lacks the flash of his peers, but quarterback Dak Prescott relies on him. Pro Football Focus said he was targeted 101 times last season, the sixth most for a tight end. Schultz is ranked as the sixth-best tight end in ESPN’s PPR fantasy projections.

“He’s a guy that I can count on, that I can trust, and that’s just continued to grow," Prescott said in a July news conference.

Although Lamb is the primary receiver, he might draw more double coverage because the Cowboys aren’t deep at wide receiver. Schultz capitalized on opportunities last season, catching eight TD passes, which led the team. 

Schultz might have extra motivation this season because he's trying to earn a better contract. The Cowboys have him under the franchise tag for one more year.