[tps_title]2017 NFL combine: 5 TE participants to watch for the Dallas Cowboys[/tps_title]
[3/5] Jake Butt, Michigan (6’5″, 250)
Jake Butt is exactly the kind of player the Dallas Cowboys have targeted in the draft before. He would likely have been a first-round selection if not for a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the Orange Bowl game. We have seen the Cowboys draft these types of players on Day Two in the past, most recently with Jaylon Smith.
If not for his knee injury, Butt would probably be in the conversation as one of the best TEs in the 2017 draft class. He is not quite as athletic as O.J. Howard or David Njoku, but checks all of the boxes you look for in an NFL tight end. He is however probably better as an in-line blocker and should only get better in this area with NFL coaching.
Unfortunately, we won’t be able to see him perform in any of the combine events due to his knee injury. I put him on this list because the medical checkup he will go through at the combine will help determine his draft value and future in the NFL.
The Dallas Cowboys could take a chance on him in the second round, but I think they will wait and see if he is still available in the third before pulling the trigger. This is a deep TE class and they might prefer to find someone who can contribute this upcoming season, instead of basically redshirting another top draft pick.
