Rank'Em
Rank’Em: NFC East Now Loaded With Stellar TEs
In our series of evaluating the best 10 players the Cowboys will see this year at each position, let's focus on the Top 10 tight ends on the 2019 schedule.
10. Dawson Knox: My second rookie on this list. Could have gone with Irv Smith Jr. who was drafted by the Vikings but I like Knox's chances to catch a bunch of balls from Josh Allen. More of an athlete than a blocker. Would compare him to another former Ole Miss tight end on this list – Evan Engram. Didn't have many opportunities in college but the receptions he did make were impressive. Really like this guy when it comes to run after the catch. Can cover some ground in a hurry with his speed.
9. Ben Watson: Crafty veteran player. Returns to the Patriots after spending time with the Saints. Some of his best work is when he can line up inline and run routes from there. Can be a mismatch player when dealing with linebackers. Sneaky quick. Soft, dependable hands. Will adjust to the ball over his head. Will lower his shoulder to convert third downs. Not afraid of the contact. Will be asked to take up the slack for a retiring Rob Gronkowski. Has always been a favorite of Tom Brady. Should be productive. Unless there is an appeal that delays his four-game suspension from the NFL, Watson should be able to play against the Cowboys on Nov. 24.
8. Chris Herndon: Physically well put together athlete. Gets up the field well. Adjusts to the ball. Makes plays on the move. Can make some incredible catches. Had a beautiful one handed grab against the Packers in the red zone. Can be a hard guy to bring down in the open field due to his size. Lines up at all positions in the formation. Will make plays in traffic. Quick to turn for the ball. Presents well as a target.
7. T.J. Hockenson: It's not often that I would put a rookie in my Top 10 but I feel like this player is special and needs to be with this group. One of the most complete players regardless of position that I scouted in the draft. Is a unique combination of athletic ability and power. Plays beyond the whistle as a blocker. Is a finisher in every sense of the word. Plays with a nasty attitude. Will be a factor in the pass game as a receiver. Accomplished routes and hands.
6. Evan Engram: Coaches work to get the ball in his hands quickly. Is a dangerous player on delays and screens. Concentration is outstanding. Catches the ball well in traffic. Is especially good when working away from the quarterback. Extends his hands to make the catch. Plays with sudden movements. Big time athlete. Has a nose for the sticks and end zone when he gets in position. Mismatch player.
5. Jordan Reed: Does a nice job of coming back to the ball. Has a feel for how to separate and find space. Shows dependable hands. Catches the ball easily. Adjusts to balls that are thrown high or low. Attacks all levels of the field. Moves well for his size. Outstanding red zone player. Stays active. Knows how to set up his route and work the defender. Receiver traits in the way he plays.
4. Trey Burton: Plays well on the move. Finds space as a route runner. Soft hands. Adjusts to the ball behind him. Has wide receiver ability when it comes to catching the ball. Catches the ball easily. Good red zone player. Uses his strength and athletic ability to separate. Plays with body control/balance. Adjusts to the ball down the field. Nice job of tracking it. Finishes well
3. Jimmy Graham: Lines up all over the formation. Doesn't have the speed he once had to separate but can still get up the field. Hands are secure. Big target that finds space in the defense. Works with the quarterback when he gets in trouble. Quick hands to adjust to the ball. Will fight for extra yards with the ball in his hands. Can be hard for defender to get to the ground.
2. Kyle Rudolph: Outstanding size and athletic ability. Excellent concentration and reaction to the ball. Catches the ball above the crowd. Competitive for the ball in traffic or over the middle. Fluid in his patterns with good body control. Can get open horizontally and vertically. Will drive and sustain as a blocker. Productive and willing. Has had an injury history throughout his career that he's had to overcome.
1. Zach Ertz: Is a hard matchup for any defense to deal with. Have to be careful how you play him. Have seen opponents try to carry him with cornerbacks in order to deny him from the ball. Size and athletic ability is rare. Movement skills and hands are top shelf. Don't see him miss play many balls. Large catch radius. Can make contested plays with the best of them.
