The Cowboys did not select a tight end in the 2017 NFL Draft, but a member of their 2016 class – one that the team seemingly has a lot of confidence in – will be able to participate again in Rico Gathers. Gathers, a sixth round selection from a year ago, spent his first season with Dallas developing his game on the practice squad, thus not officially accruing a season in the league while maintaining eligibility for the start of this Thursday’s camp.
While on the practice squad (where Rico Gathers was paid a much higher than average salary by the Cowboys to maintain his rights), the converted Baylor basketball player reportedly was a nightmare for opposing defensive backs.
ALERT: TE Rico Gathers is eligible to & will participate in #Cowboys Rookie Minicamp, coach Jason Garrett tells me. @1053thefan
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) May 10, 2017
One thing the Cowboys’ latest draft class is not short on is DBs, as Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, Marquez White, and Xavier Woods will now all get to see Gathers first hand during their introduction to America’s Team.
The extra days of work will only help Rico, as by the time training camp rolls around there is a real possibility that the Dallas Cowboys are preparing him to be the primary backup to the recently extended Jason Witten.
https://insidethestar.com/watch-rico-gathers-shows-off-drills-instagram-video/
Geoff Swaim and James Hanna are both working back from injuries, but Rico Gathers is ready to continue his quest to become the latest “basketball style” TE to dominate in the NFL. If he makes it, there should be no reason the Cowboys’ offense doesn’t consistently break the scoreboard for years to come with weapons at all levels for Dak Prescott.
Sean, Rico, will be the 2nd coming of Billy Joe Dupree, take it to the bank, one of Staubach, most trusted security blanket, that doesn’t get the recognition he deserves at tight end, for the Cowboys.
…We’ll come back to this haha
Love his development! What’s his 40 speed?
I’ve been excited for him as a prospect ever since we drafted him, mainly because he seemed to have the perfect attitude and work ethic to succeed. He clearly has the athleticism. He just needs reps.
If you get a chance, check out the Sport Science clip with Rico Gathers. Very exciting stuff.