The Dallas Cowboys select Dalton Schultz with the 137th pick in the 2018 NFL draft

With the 137th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Dalton Schultz, tight end from Stanford. With the possible retirement of Jason Witten, the Cowboys get a tight end.

NFL.com

Schultz is a Y-tight end with the ability as a run blocker to help bolster a team’s rushing attack very quickly. While his frame could still use more mass, he plays with good technique and play strength at the point of attack and shows an ability to impose his will upon edge defenders if they half-step into the rep. Schultz is a capable and reliable target underneath, but his living will depend on how he impacts the running game. Schultz’s limited catch production could drop him a round, but he should be a solid, early starter.

Draft Blaster

Solidly built blocking tight end that displays very good pass catching skills when called upon. Schultz fits into the category of an offensive prospect that might be capable of much more than he was asked to do in college, and could emerge as a much better pro player than he was in college. Very effective blocking when added to the line, and in space as plays develops. Catches the ball naturally very well, with soft hands and away from his body.

Cowboys Needs:

Wide receiver: The Cowboys receiving corps struggled in 2017, and that was before they released Dez Bryant. Adding Allen Hurns helped, but they could still look for more firepower in a Dak-friendly offense.

Guard/Offensive line: Jonathan Cooper moved on, and the Cowboys didn't get a sure-fire replacement in free agency. There is still a discussion about moving La’el Collins back inside, so they need a guard or right tackle.

Linebacker: Anthony Hitchens was a solid part of the rotation, but he’s gone. Sean Lee is the main man but his injury history is a problem. Jaylon Smith is still tying to regain his form pre-injury. Dallas could use another piece here.

Defensive tackle: The Cowboys had to play Maliek Collins out of position for much of the year, and the run defense suffered for it. Collins was also not as effective as he was in 2016. A big 1-tech with 3-tech traits would be nice.

Tight end: Jason Witten is retiring. Now that we’ve processed that, tight end certainly moves up on the needs chart.

Safety: Safety is not the most pressing need, but we could certainly see Dallas attack it at some point.

Cowboys draft picks:

(Round-pick in the round-overall pick)

1-19-19: Leighton Vander Esch

2-18-50: Connor Williams

3-17-81: Michael Gallup

4-16-116 Dorance Armstrong

4-37-137 Dalton Schultz

5-34-171 Dallas

6-18-192 Dallas

6-19-193 Dallas

6-34-208 Dallas

7-18-236 Dallas