(Editor's Note: In the upcoming weeks before the start of training camp, the staff of DallasCowboys.com is looking to answer the 20 biggest questions facing the team heading into the 2024 season. Today, the staff writers continue the series with a focus on players entering Season 2.)
16) Who Makes Biggest Year-2 Jump?
Nick Harris: I'd keep an eye on Luke Schoonmaker to make that year-two jump that all Cowboys fans are looking for everybody in 2023's rookie class to make. Schoonmaker didn't have the natural start to his rookie season after plantar fasciitis kept him out of rookie minicamp, OTAs and the beginning of training camp. But if he is able to return from offseason shoulder surgery in time to hit the field in Oxnard, he will be able to have that full preseason he couldn't tally in 2023. His wide frame and strong hands can still be useful at the tight end position, even after Jake Ferguson firmly took control of the position group's No. 1 spot last season. His knacks in the run game can still prove to be fruitful, especially going into a season with a new left tackle.
Mikey Spagnola: My money is on tight end Luke Schoonmaker. We are talking a second-round draft choice who battled injuries as soon as he arrived and somewhat throughout the season. Should be healthy for the start of training camp, which he was seriously limited in last year. The guy has size, enough speed and ability to be a reliable blocker in the run game. Plus, to make an obvious jump, players need opportunities, and Schoonmaker is the likely No. 2 tight end behind Jake Ferguson.
Patrik Walker: The answer for me is DeMarvion Overshown, period. Yeah yeah, I get it. He didn't have a Year 1 to account for due to the torn ACL, but that simply makes what I believe he's about to do this coming season that much more special. He'll need to first get past the mental hurdle that inevitably exists after suffering a devastating injury (and especially considering it was his first-ever of this magnitude) as well as the rookie learning curve in the heart of Mike Zimmer's defense, but the coaching of Zimmer, Eric Kendricks and Damone Clark (who is also mentoring him directly) should put Overshown in position to begin raising eyebrows sooner than later. I believe he'll be an outright force before the 2024 season is all said-and-done.
Kurt Daniels: Sure would be nice if Mazi Smith made the biggest second-year jump, and having Brock Hoffman fill the void at center certainly wouldn't hurt either. But I'm thinking it might be Luke Schoonmaker. He doesn't necessarily have to rack up big receiving numbers; just improving his blocking and perhaps being more situationally aware could pay big dividends for both him and the team. Of course, the problem is injuries set him back last offseason, and he's been slowed again somewhat this year. But if he can stay healthy, he's going to be given every opportunity to take a step forward. And he'd better take advantage because there are some hungry players currently below him on the depth chart. No pressure.
