Dallas Cowboys: Tight end Codey McElroy could have a real role

With an extremely unique past, multiple sport athlete Codey McElroy has a real chance of contributing to the Dallas Cowboys this season.

After growing up as a baseball player, Codey McElroy found himself in the NFL as a tight end for the Dallas Cowboys. After attending high school in Oklahoma, McElroy attended college at Eastern Oklahoma where he played baseball. He then transferred to the University of Texas followed by Cameron University to continue his baseball career.

After three years of college baseball experience, McElroy was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and played two seasons of minor league baseball. After retiring from baseball after two years, he went to Oklahoma State University to finish his degree in 2016. At that time, McElroy walked on to the Oklahoma State University basketball team.

After one year at Oklahoma State, he ultimately decided to then head to Southeastern Oklahoma State to get another degree. Upon his arrival, he walked on to yet another college sports team, this time football.

Although McElroy’s only football experience coming into the NFL was nine games at Southeastern Oklahoma in 2017 and some middle school football games, he was signed as an undrafted rookie by the Los Angeles Rams last season. Although he did not play a single snap for the Rams in 2018, the Dallas Cowboys were willing to take a gamble on him this summer in free agency.

At 6-foot-6, 255 pounds, the 26-year-old is the same height and within five pounds of future Hall of Famer Jason Witten. Outside of Witten, McElroy’s competition for snaps includes Blake Jarwin and Dalton Schultz. With the recent waiving of another college basketball player in Rico Gathers, the crack in the door has opened even wider for McElroy to have a chance at making an impact in the 2019 season.

With the Rico Gathers project coming to an end, Codey McElroy can be the next low-risk high-reward tight end for the Dallas Cowboys.  Clearly, he has been impressive enough for the cowboys to carry him into training camp. With only four tight ends on the roster including himself,  he’s got a shot at some playing time in the regular season.

Only time will tell if McElroy will have a shot at being an impact player for the Dallas Cowboys next season. With Jason Witten presumably playing fewer snaps, more opportunity for all of the tight ends on the roster will be available.