Little-known sophomore TE Blake Jarwin has been reportedly dominating in Dallas this offseason, quickly emerging as a “regular target” for Dak Prescott “up the middle and particularly in red zone situations.” With over 50% of the team’s 2017 target total up for grabs (249 looks), Jarwin appears to be in the driver’s seat for Jason Witten’s pass-catching role, giving him real “Penny Stock” upside.
A 2017 UDFA out of Oklahoma State, Jarwin rotted on the Cowboys’ practice squad all last year until October, when Dallas promoted him to the regular roster to block the Eagles from stealing him. This move was an early display of some long-term interest, and thus far Jarwin hasn’t disappointed. Early this offseason the Dallas’ Morning News’ Jon Machota reported, “No tight end on the roster has received more praise recently from executive vice president Stephen Jones. Meanwhile, Cowboys reporter Marcus Mosher the clear TE1 tweeted Blake Jarwin operated as throughout OTAs and minicamp, also adding fantasy-darling Rico Gathers “barely gets any snaps in practice” (some reports even have Gathers actually trying tackle). The only Dallas-rostered TE to catch an NFL pass is Geoff Swaim, an unathletic lumberer who’s posted nine catches for 94 yards in three seasons… meaning the opportunity is certainly ripe here. Jarwin is currently undrafted, and will likely remain so, but still deserves a spot on your “Monitor List” or bottom of the bench in deeper leagues with a real chance to top Dallas in receiving TDs.
