Left guard Tyler Smith, tight end Jake Ferguson and cornerback DaRon Bland were among the Cowboys players who achieved a breakout performance in 2023. Who is next? We’re counting down five potential candidates.
1. John Stephens
Position: Tight end.
Draft class: Undrafted free agent, 2023.
2023 season: Missed the entire year with an ACL tear.
Outlook: The last time multiple Cowboys tight ends caught 20 passes in the same season came in 2019 (Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin). Dalton Schultz and Jake Ferguson have combined for 288 receptions for 2,935 yards the four seasons since then. All other Cowboys tight ends managed 55 catches for 493 yards. The lack of receiver duality at the position should end in 2024. Stephens, a former wide receiver at Louisiana-Lafayette, can emerge as a dynamic complement to Ferguson. He caught five passes for 56 yards and a touchdown in last year’s preseason opener before injuring his left knee in the second exhibition. He is expected for the start of training camp.
New to inline blocking, Stephens focused on his footwork this offseason while bulking up to about 242 pounds in the spring; he said he reported to the Cowboys around 228 last year. “‘Stretch’ is a baller,” Ferguson said of Stephens last preseason. “He’s making plays in practice. He’s making plays in camp. … He’s not even touching the surface for him. He’s a great player. I’m excited to see what he molds into. ... He’s got a high ceiling.”
Breakout candidates
No. 5: Princeton Fant, tight end
No. 4: Juanyeh Thomas, safety
No. 3: Jalen Tolbert, wide receiver
No. 2: DeMarvion Overshown, linebacker
No. 1: John Stephens, tight end
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