Cowboys have rumored interest in young tight end
One longtime NFL Draft analyst reports the Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be showing interest in a young tight end out of Michigan.
Coming off a disappointing 4-12 regular season, the Dallas Cowboys have several needs they’ll have to address this offseason. But one position that isn’t seen as a priority is tight end. With a future Hall of Famer currently starting at that position in Jason Witten, some would assume the Cowboys wouldn’t necessarily be looking to acquire another player at that particular position. But according to a recent report, that would be a wrong assumption.
Longtime NFL Draft analyst Tony Pauline recently reported that both the Cowboys and the New York Jets have shown interest in Michigan tight end A.J. Williams.
"“One non-combine tight end prospect that’s always intrigued me is Michigan’s A.J. Williams,” Pauline wrote on his site DraftInsider.net last week. “The senior was not rated by teams entering the season but has garnered a lot of interest from both the New York Jets and Dallas Cowboys recently. Williams has offensive tackle size at 6-feet/5-inches and almost 270-pounds but moves well about the field and is a solid short range passing catching target. Expect him to time in the 4.8’s during Michigan pro-day and though Williams may not be selected in the draft, he’ll have an opportunity next season as a third tight end brought onto the field during short yardage situations or in the red zone.”"
Pauline is the same analyst who reported that the Cowboys had Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey on the top of their draft board. It was later revealed that Dallas hasn’t even started on their board yet. So, take this latest report with a grain of salt and simply consider it an unconfirmed rumor at this point.
If there is any interest in Williams, it’s likely as a blocking tight end. It’s something the Cowboys desperately need if they decide not to re-sign veteran James Hanna, who is a free agent this offseason. The soon-to-be 22-year old prospect is a former offensive lineman who was a blocking tight end for most of his college career. He was asked to do a bit more during his senior season at Michigan due to the hiring of new head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Williams recorded a total of 12 receptions last year, which was seven more than he had during his previous two seasons combined. At 6-6, 285 pounds, the young man is a glorified sixth offensive lineman and will likely be an undrafted free agent. If Dallas is showing any interest, it’s possibly just them laying some ground work for a possible signing following the draft.
Behind Witten on the Cowboys tight end depth chart are former second round selection Gavin Escobar and 2015 seventh round selection Geoff Swaim. Neither player are particularly strong blockers. And Escobar is recovering from an Achilles’ injury that could have him sidelined beyond the start of the regular season. For those reasons, the Cowboys could certainly look to add a strong blocking tight end at some point this offseason.
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