FWST: Jason Witten's replacement? Cowboys land Stanford TE Dalton Schultz

[CyberB0b]

Is this a serious comment? Smdh

Yes. Production (or lack of) means something.

 

[aikemirv]

22 catches? He must not get open that often. Run heavy offenses rely heavily on the TE in the passing game. Fumagali was much more productive and available.

Michael Gallup > Calvin Ridley
Cedric Wilson > Calvin Ridley

Just sayin...

 

[texbumthelife]

Yes. Production (or lack of) means something.

And it doesn't happen in a vacuum. Let me guess, you never actually saw Schultz play? His production is actually very similar to Witten's when drafted. Yeah, that first ballot hall of fame.

 

[DBOY3141]

Bet ya $2 I did. Lately, Stanford is known for developing TE’s.

David Shaw said he was the best TE that Stanford has produced in years. I have not seen him play, so I can't weigh in on how he plays, but that's pretty high praise from his head coach considering who has come out of that school.

 

[LittleD]

If you study his film and college games, you see a pretty stout TE who catches what's thrown to him. With a year of
seasoning, he will make Rico expendable. Nuff with the experiments...

 

[LifeLongfan]

22 catches? He must not get open that often. Run heavy offenses rely heavily on the TE in the passing game. Fumagali was much more productive and available.

The top two WR only had 48 and 42 catches

 

[Rockport]

Saw him play enough in college, not all that impressed.

Of course you’re not. You never are.

 

[CyberB0b]

The top two WR only had 48 and 42 catches

Schultz wasn't even the top receiving TE on the team. Kaden Smith had 23 catches and 2 more TDs.

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

Dalton isn't about to replace Witten, although he might manage to make enough blocks to stick around. He'd better hope so, anyway.

We shall see

 

[Bullflop]

We shall see

For sure. No rookie will be expected to replace a future HOF'er like Witten.

If he simply blocks well and catches an occasional pass, he'll be aces!

 

[RustyBourneHorse]

For sure. No rookie will be expected to replace a future HOF'er like Witten.

If he simply blocks well and catches an occasional pass, he'll be aces!

Exactly, and it helps that he's known for being a good blocker.

 

[Hoofbite]

He shares a name with Patrick Swayze's character in Road House. I'm a fan.

 

[rpntex]

Schultz wasn't even the top receiving TE on the team. Kaden Smith had 23 catches and 2 more TDs.

Smith was used as an H-back (not a true TE), playing off the LOS, in the slot, etc. He would be more comparable to the way the Cowboys used Geoff Swain. Schultz was an old-school, “in-line” TE, used almost exactly how the Cowboys used Witten.

Comparing Smith to Schultz is akin to comparing Michael Irving to Mike Ditka. Fairly equal in ability, but totally different positions.

 

[CyberB0b]

Smith was used as an H-back (not a true TE), playing off the LOS, in the slot, etc. He would be more comparable to the way the Cowboys used Geoff Swain. Schultz was an old-school, “in-line” TE, used almost exactly how the Cowboys used Witten.

Comparing Smith to Schultz is akin to comparing Michael Irving to Mike Ditka. Fairly equal in ability, but totally different positions.

Which do you think is more relevant in today's game?

 

[CowboyStar88]

Which do you think is more relevant in today's game?

I think the better question is who is more relevant in this offense?

 

[rpntex]

Which do you think is more relevant in today's game?

In today’s game or in the offense this coaching staff envisions?

Actually, I’d say they’re both equally important. You need the prototypical TE like Schultz for the run game, and you need Swaim’s Version in the passing game. Dallas wants to run the ball 55% of the time or more (league average is less than 50%), so in my opinion, Schultz (or someone like him) is more important to this offense. Ideally, you still need a second “receiving” TE who can also play in-line when necessary.

 

[CyberB0b]

In today’s game or in the offense this coaching staff envisions?

Actually, I’d say they’re both equally important. You need the prototypical TE like Schultz for the run game, and you need Swaim’s Version in the passing game. Dallas wants to run the ball 55% of the time or more (league average is less than 50%), so in my opinion, Schultz (or someone like him) is more important to this offense. Ideally, you still need a second “receiving” TE who can also play in-line when necessary.

It is interesting that you compared him to a dinosaur like Ditka, who really played in an entirely different game than what we see today. Pure blocking tight ends who offer no real threat of catching a ball leave you handicapped. This guy is nothing like Jason Witten. He's like a slower version of James Hanna.

 

[ThreeandOut]

It will probably be TE by committee this year, but I think he will play a lot.

 

[rpntex]

It is interesting that you compared him to a dinosaur like Ditka, who really played in an entirely different game than what we see today. Pure blocking tight ends who offer no real threat of catching a ball leave you handicapped. This guy is nothing like Jason Witten. He's like a slower version of James Hanna.

The comparison to Ditka was intentional, pointing out the obvious contrast in not only their abilities, but what was expected of them. The Cowboys drafted Schulz for his blocking ability, that is obvious. They must evidently feel they already have a good receiving TE in Swaim, and possibly in Rico Gathers, but both are described as markedly deficient in blocking ability. Blake Jarwin (whom I feel has the best chance to be a “complete” TE this season) is a better blocker, but has work to do in the passing game.

SchultzIs said to be an outstanding block her. Stanford has a reputation for developing tight end (six in the NFL - including Zach Ertz - Seven, if you include Schulz). Therefore, the Cowboys must be leave that he has a good foundation to be a solid starter eventually. One of the analysts on the television coverage of the draft said he was an excellent blocker, who could develop into an outstanding past receiver as well. As a fourth round pick, it would be foolish to expect it to happen this season, however.