The Dallas Cowboys bring back a lot of familiar faces at the tight end position for 2025. Their top three players are are expected to return to previously held roles. Depth behind those three is largely comprised of undrafted free agents, fringe roster players and camp bodies. Based on this, the TE position looks like a fairly unexciting position to watch this summer in training camp but then again, maybe not.
For as bland as the competition looks on paper there are plenty of storylines to follow. A simple SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) shows much is hinging on a variety of factors making concern and excitement valid emotions this preseason.
Strength of Cowboys TE group: Jake Ferguson
For as terrible as Ferguson looked last season, he has undeniable chemistry with Dak Prescott and is a shoo-in to be the Cowboys’ No. 3 passing option in 2025. Ferguson is just one year removed from a Pro Bowl and is entering the last year of his rookie contract. He has plenty of motivation to bounce back and should see plenty of opportunities with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens dominating the defense’s attention
Weakness of the Cowboys TE group: Depth
It’s not a specific player per say, but rather a role that’s concerning. The Cowboys don’t appear to have a credible threat to push Ferguson in 2025 and if the TE1 has a repeat of last year, that could put Dallas in an ugly situation this season.
Luke Schoonmaker is a better player than many give him credit for, but he hasn’t shown the ability to truly take over as a starter. The third-year player out of Michigan is a solid TE2 but he’s not someone the Cowboys want to lean on just yet. Schoonmaker is a player to watch this preseason because not only must he produce this season, but he’s probably the favorite to be the starter next season.
Wildcard at TE on the Cowboys: Brevyn Spann-Ford
Spann-Ford had an inspiring rookie season as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-7, 270-pound monster out of Minnesota hit the ground running as a blocker. He’s likely the best blocking TE on the roster heading into training camp and has the potential to be something special someday in the NFL.
Whether that happens or not depends on his maturation as a pass catcher. Spann-Ford may never become someone who’s dynamic after the catch, but his size and frame make him a mismatch machine if he can just play with more reliability and consistency as a route runner and pass catcher.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Strengths, weaknesses and wildcards at Cowboys TE position in 2025
Reporting by Reid D Hanson, Cowboys Wire / Cowboys Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
