Escobar will never replace Witten

[T-RO]

The fact that we chose to make him a part time player isn't really up to him. He's a starting caliber TE who is the best blocking TE in the league. I don't have a problem taking a player like that in the 2nd.

What's "telling" is that you took this pick of Escobar to be something completely opposite from what it actually was, despite all the evidence and reporting contrary to your belief.

Anyway.. maybe eventually, you'll allow yourself to see why we really drafted him. Until then, have fun being miserable over it..

If we spent a #2 pick for something other than the ultimate successor to Jason Witten...when we had all our other needs...it was a huge mistake.

The only caveat is if we run a 12 offense 70% of the time AND (AND!) Escobar proves to be a prolific weapon in the passing game.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

If we spent a #2 pick for something other than the ultimate successor to Jason Witten...when we had all our other needs...it was a huge mistake.

The only caveat is if we run a 12 offense 70% of the time AND (AND!) Escobar proves to be a prolific weapon in the passing game.

Then you think we made a huge mistake/you didn't hear that we want to run the 12 offense like the Pats do.

Either way..

 

[T-RO]

Then you think we made a huge mistake/you didn't hear that we want to run the 12 offense like the Pats do.

Either way..

Of course I've heard it hinted that we'd go more towards a '12'. But unless that becomes our base offense AND Escobar is a very productive receiver...I don't like the pick.

He can't just be an adequate or good receiver. Because he's bringing nothing to the table as a blocker...his receiving attributes will need to be brilliant.

Let's be blunt about it: His 4.8 speed will make him slower than any safety on the field and slower than most of the linebackers. He's going to have to be awesome in and out of his breaks and crafty as hell...or this is a dud pick.

 

[RoyTheHammer]

Of course I've heard it hinted that we'd go more towards a '12'. But unless that becomes our base offense AND Escobar is a very productive receiver...I don't like the pick.

He can't just be an adequate or good receiver. Because he's bringing nothing to the table as a blocker...his receiving attributes will need to be brilliant.

Let's be blunt about it: His 4.8 speed will make him slower than any safety on the field and slower than most of the linebackers. He's going to have to be awesome in and out of his breaks and crafty as hell...or this is a dud pick.

..and from all reports, that is exactly what he brings. He's a guy who is a good route runner who will catch anything that you throw near him. Im not really worried about his speed, you don't need to be fast or even quick to be an effective pass catching TE.

Just ask Jason Witten..

 

[bud42]

The so called experts here have already pegged him as a bust/marginal player. He has not even stepped on the field yet! Whether you have posted once or 10,000 times, lets see how it plays out!

 

[tupperware]

Ok? He's there to compliment him. Not run him out of town...

Any idea on what you think some of the compliments will be that he gives to Witten?

I'm thinking he will compliment Witten on his toughness.

 

[T-RO]

If the Patriots are now our model...let's compare

Gronk was also a 2nd round pick. But what did the Pats get for their investment?

Gronk runs a 4.68 in 40.
-He is considered a good blocker
-He has outstanding YAC abilities...he can both outrun or run over defenders
(Watch the amazing demo reel here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcAzCJ0lwAM)

And their other tight end? Aaron Hernandez
For comparison the Patriots invested a 4th round pick.
Not much of a blocker...but check the speed...4.64 40
Hernandez college production? Senior year: 68 receptions, 850 yards.
YAC? The Pats will occasionally use the guy as a running back!
Just compare Hernandez's highlight reel to Escobar. In explosiveness and YAC...Not Close.

Jerry just doesn't do this very well.

 

[xtreme_2k]

From the highlight reel (which can be misleading) I also did not see an explosive player. But I didn't see a lot...and it was shot from field level, so I won't put much stock in it.

I sure didn't see a guy who is going to be breaking any tackles.

T-Ro have you posted anything positive lately?

 

[T-RO]

T-Ro have you posted anything positive lately?

My posts are invariably positive...almost universally so...when I post on the Ranger forums. Because that front office knows what it is doing.

 

[csirl]

Witten has taken a physical battering over the past 2 seasons. Last season he looked very worn out at seasons end. A human body can only take so much punishment. Witten will be out of the league within a year or two unless the Cowboys take some pressure off him and limit his punishment. Escobar taking snaps will lengthen Witten's career. Or if Witten's body just gives up - which is not unlikely - we have a replacement.

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

I see Aaron Hernandez as a reciever more than a TE because of his size. He is 6-1 245lbs. Weight wise yes TE, height wise WR. At least our TE's have the size and bulk.

 

[Shinywalrus]

This is dumb thread.

Jason Witten is a HOF tight end, and one of the 4-5 best to ever play the position. Even if Escobar was the first overall pick, it would be hard to put odds on him completely replacing Witten.

But a starter-quality player at the position? That's what it means to succeed someone. Pretty straightforward. Not sure if Gavin's the guy, but I AM sure that looking at the fact that he didn't lift at the combine and trying to draw career projections from that is among the more absurd things I've seen on CZ.

 

[Smith22]

Jason Witten was a complete package coming out of Tennesee. Consider what a superior draft selection he was from the Parcells era.

1. Witten was bigger. Witten is 6'6" himself. Escobar is no taller than Jason. But Witten packs about 15 more pounds of bulk. Escobar is 254.

2. Witten was faster. Witten could really motor when he first entered the league. Consider how impressive his 4.65 40 time was--Jason was carrying a big load. Escobar was one of the slower Tight Ends at the combine, running a pedestrian 4.84 (11th out of 15 in this year's class).

3. Witten was stronger. Jason pumped out 25 bench press reps. Escobar? He refused to lift.

4. College receiving production was a push. Remember Witten was drafted after his junior year. But in that junior year he had 39 receptions for 493 yards 6 TDs. Escobar had nearly identical numbers...as a senior.

5. Escobar was drafted in the 2nd round...higher than most pundits expected. Witten was a fabulous value pick in the third round.

6. Toughness? Who can compare to Witten?

I hope we can diversify our offense and I trust Escobar's good hands and good 20-yard shuffle (reflecting quickness coming out of his cuts) will give us another viable weapon.

But I just don't see the kid as a true "replacement" for Witten any more than I expect Randle will be the next Emmitt Smith.

The underwear olympics doesn't define you. Terrell Suggs and Anquan Boldin say hello. They both had HORRIBLE 40 times, and they turned out to be above average NFL players.

Emmitt Smith dropped in the 1st because he wasn't fast. Tom Brady fell to the 6th round because he was a scrawny QB who fought to be the starter at Michigan the entire time he was there.

Ultimately, talent and inner desire to achieve greater success will determine how these players will grow.

 

[fortdick]

Nobody is asking him to be the next Jason Witten. Nobody is even speculating that he will ever be nearly as good as Witten. I don't know what the point of this thread is.

He wasn't drafted to be better than Witten.

He was draft to be better than Marty Bennett.

 

[thisisepic]

I don't even know where to start with this post, but you do get the Captain Obvious medal from me. You're comparing a 2nd Rd. selection to an arguably top 5 TE in NFL. history. Your research is impeccable and your conviction is impressive. Nice work.

/thread

 

[InDakWeTrust]

Witten is a great TE, but father time is definitely catching up to him. If you're complaining about Escobars' speed. Witten could barely run a 4.85 right now and I'd bet on that. Escobar will be the move TE for us, and will probably be in the game from 25% to 40% this year I'd guess. He will be able to actually help this team in the RZ, much moreso than Witten or Phillips or Bennett.

Escobar is far from finished but isn't the classic 6-5 265 prototypical size TE. He is the type that basically is a oversized and slow WR who can wall off/steer block but not push people out of the hole like Bennett could've if he tried to.

Since this was Garrett's pick I'm trusting him to produce something, and not based on the players' area were he was selected. I did not like the pick initially, but Garrett has brought guys in and developed them at the skill positions..Murray was a similar surprise pick and now everyone loves him.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Of course I've heard it hinted that we'd go more towards a '12'. But unless that becomes our base offense AND Escobar is a very productive receiver...I don't like the pick.

He can't just be an adequate or good receiver. Because he's bringing nothing to the table as a blocker...his receiving attributes will need to be brilliant.

Let's be blunt about it: His 4.8 speed will make him slower than any safety on the field and slower than most of the linebackers. He's going to have to be awesome in and out of his breaks and crafty as hell...or this is a dud pick.

The NFL has changed and Dallas just changed with it, applaud them for being ahead of the curve.

WRs and TEs that can find open spaces in the Zone are key, not 40 times that translate into a man to man advantage in coverage.

 

[muck4doo]

OMG! No one will ever be the next Roger Staubach. Why pick up a QB again!?!

/That's what this thread sounds like.

 

[muck4doo]

This is dumb thread.

nuff said

 

[Vinnie2u]

An i wrong but does Escobar remind anyone of Jimmy Graham of New Orleans..