This is why the Cowboys keep drafting TE's

[silver]

The #2 TE on most teams must be more of a blocker than the #1 TE. If Witten were out, it's possible that Escobar would get more playing time than Hanna. The #1 TE is not really the same position as the #2 TE.

It's not all about physical blocking ability. They have Hanna playing multiple different roles. Y (on the line TE), H-back, FB. If is was only about physical blocking ability, then TE Andre Smith would be the #2 TE. As a simple Y (on the line TE), he is physically a better blocker than the other TEs.

Split hairs much? Escobar's existence as a second round pick is unjustifiable any way you look at it. Andre Smith being on the team is very telling as to the coaches opinion of Escobar's skill set. Why would you keep an undrafted free agent with limited skills on the roster when you just drafted one in the second round with supposedly unquestionable skills?

 

[silver]

Players with long legs appear to be moving slower than players with short legs because they have a longer stride and take less steps. Watch Ernie Sims run next to Bruce Carter. Sims' legs look like they're moving 100 mph while Carter is just gliding along, but Carter is actually moving faster.

Escobar ran a 4.84 at the combine. That's slow. Gronkowski ran a 4.68 and Jimmy Graham ran a 4.56. They both have long legs as well and yet post better 40 times. Slow is slow.

 

[Common Sense]

Maybe they are not in a win now mode. Maybe they are selling to the fans that as long as romo is here with dez the cowboys remain "relevant" while they are really building for the future. Maybe that is why jones says Garrett will remain head coach regardless of this season success. Maybe Garrett and jones care more about building for the future than winning now but they aren't going to broadcast that to the fans.

I don't know this for certain, however given the body of work we have seen pertaining to the choices and personel decisions they have made, along with certain statements - this seems to be a logical conclusion.

That's a possibility, but if that's the case... good grief, this team is dumb. When you have a 33-year old quarterback, there's not much future left to build for. (Also, before anyone chimes in, there is no such thing as a "young" 33 -- an old body is an old body).

Besides, of all things, why take a TE in the 2nd round for the future? You could have drafted ANY position on defense and probably have landed a starter at this point. Any position. Then draft a TE another year who can actually get on the field as a rookie (believe it or not, it happens all the time in the NFL).

 

[xwalker]

Escobar ran a 4.84 at the combine. That's slow. Gronkowski ran a 4.68 and Jimmy Graham ran a 4.56. They both have long legs as well and yet post better 40 times. Slow is slow.

Those players are quicker out of a track stance, but their their top speeds are similar to Escobar's. That would be a big issue for slot WR that must beat man coverage in his 1st couple of steps; however, TEs rarely win at the line of scrimmage. It's their top speed and quickness in and out of breaks that's most important. Escobar's top speed is good and his SS and 3-cone show that he has good quickness in and out of breaks.

 

[xwalker]

Split hairs much? Escobar's existence as a second round pick is unjustifiable any way you look at it. Andre Smith being on the team is very telling as to the coaches opinion of Escobar's skill set. Why would you keep an undrafted free agent with limited skills on the roster when you just drafted one in the second round with supposedly unquestionable skills?

Escobar is the backup to Witten. Andre Smith is the backup to Hanna.