Dallas Cowboys: 6 Prospects to target in the 2019 NFL Draft

3. Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama

When the Cowboys pick in the second round, there’s a chance they look to take a tight end. After all, Jason Garrett’s offense thirsts for one. There’s no doubt the Cowboys missed Jason Witten, so they brought him back out of the Monday Night Football booth. But the future Hall of Fame tight end isn’t in his prime anymore.

This 2019 NFL Draft is a deep class at tight end. The two studs from Iowa will likely get drafted well before the Cowboys pick. However, it doesn’t matter because Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. is the perfect fit for the Cowboys. There are few players at the tight end spot that are more pro-ready than Smith.

To compare him to Witten is unfair, but it’s going to happen anyway and for good reason. Like Witten, Smith doesn’t rely on athleticism. He’s a savvy, precise route runner who breaks with quickness at the top of his routes. After the catch, he’s an effective YAC guy in his ability to elude defenders.

Moreover, he’s an excellent blocker, a needed trait for a team that relies on the run. Garrett’s offense allows for someone like Smith to come in and have an impact right away. Prescott needs a safety blanket and Smith is perfect for doing just that.

The Cowboys watched the Eagles find success running multiple tight ends, and this is a copycat league. So, the Cowboys should take play out of the Eagles playbook and draft Irv Smith Jr. to pair with and become the successor to Jason Witten.