The Landry Hat
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A deeper look at 4 of the Cowboys’ pre-draft prospect invites

By Lauren Barash

COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 30: Jeremy Ruckert #88 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a reception during the second half of their game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OHIO - OCTOBER 30: Jeremy Ruckert #88 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates a reception during the second half of their game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) /
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Cowboys, Jeremy Ruckert
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Jeremy Ruckert #88 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reaches for a catch ahead of Christian Harris #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Jeremy Ruckert, TE, Ohio State

Despite the franchise tagging of Dalton Schultz, the Cowboys’ tight end depth chart isn’t looking too hot. With Blake Jarwin getting cut due to injury concerns and lack of production, Jeremy Sprinkle and Sean McKeon are currently the alternate options. Those two players had a combined seven receptions last year. Not ideal. Plus, if Dallas and Schultz can’t work out a long-term deal, they need to bring in someone who can replace Schultz in 2023.

That’s why it’s no surprise the Cowboys are bringing in four tight ends. Virginia’s Jelani Woods (seventh-round projection), Washington’s Cade Otton (fourth-round projection), Texas A&M’s Jalen Wydermyer (third-round projection), and Ohio State’s Jeremy Ruckert (third-round projection). It’s nice to know that the front office knows that they need to get a tight end but isn’t bringing in players who won’t realistically fall to the Cowboys.

Drafting Ruckert in the third round after securing an offensive lineman and defensive end or receiver would be an excellent idea. Not only has he made some acrobatic touchdown grabs in his time at Ohio State, but he also has great blocking ability, which the Cowboys’ tight ends lack.

In addition to blocking, Ruckert was an effective pass catcher collecting 26 passes for 309 yards and three touchdowns. Keep in mind, that he did that on an offense that had two of the top wide receivers in the country. According to PFF, the Buckeye was targeted 39 times this past season and only had one drop. Ruckert is a guy who has proven he is NFL-ready. His large size is great for his strength but doesn’t impair his speed and agility.

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