(Editor's Note: In the upcoming weeks before the start of training camp, the staff of DallasCowboys.com is looking to answer the 20 biggest questions facing the team heading into the 2024 season. Today, the staff writers focus on tight end Jake Ferguson, and how close he is to reaching elite status.
9) Is Jake Ferguson knocking on door for All-Pro?
Mickey Spagnola: Once again, that has a lot to do with opportunity and how defenses decide to play a Cowboys offense hoping to threaten with three viable receiver options (CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Cooks and TBD at third spot), along with an ability to throw to running backs out of the backfield along with this new approach of giving Deuce Vaughn an opportunity to either line up in the slot or catch out of the backfield. But how 'bout we start with playing at a Pro Bowl level first. His 2023 slash numbers of 71/761/5 – second on the team in receptions and yards receiving) will gain him notice if he can repeat, but also more attention from defenses, too.
Kyle Youmans: Last season, there were only six tight ends to finish with over 750 receiving yards and at least five receiving touchdowns. Jake Ferguson was one of those six in just his second year as a pro. He joined George Kittle and Sam LaPorta on that list, who were both named All-Pros last season. Ferguson's production steadily improved as the season went on and he climbed the ladder to become the second most effective receiving target in the Dallas offense last season. That is no fluke. If he can continue to fill the role he carved out last season and grow his trust with Dak in the passing game, there is no reason he couldn't be an All-Pro in 2024.
Patrik Walker: There's a rocket strapped to the back of Jake Ferguson. This isn't a conclusion I came to after his breakout season in 2023. It's one I've had since he got the call as the fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. To the chagrin of some, I noted then he'd be the reason the Cowboys parted ways with Dalton Schultz, and that occurred. I said that once the TE1 seat was vacated, Ferguson would take hold of it with both hands and never look back and, last year, he did exactly that. He's a Pro Bowl caliber tight already heading into Year 3, and I'd like you to keep in mind he did all he did last season during a season in which Mike McCarthy was still feeling things out as the Cowboys' play caller, a very large hint at what's to come as the duo walk into 2024. The steps he's taken to add muscle mass to become an elite run blocker (his demeanor as a blocker is already sociopathic) without losing his athleticism will pay off in an All-Pro honor sooner than later.
Nick Eatman: Just like any time you're knocking on the door and looking to stay there, someone has to move out. The point here is, in order to be an All-Pro this year, you have to replace someone. And don't forget this part - Travis Kielce, the all-world tight end from the Chiefs, was not an All-Pro last year, first or second-team. Now, that was just the Associated Press team, that had George Kittle and rookie Sam LaPorta as the two selections. Sure, Ferguson could wind up on that level without a doubt, especially if defenses try to do things differently with CeeDee Lamb. I think the nature of the question is can Ferguson make it to the elite status and I think the answer is yes. Will he be an All-Pro? That's pretty tough, considering the fact that Mark Andrews, Travis Kielce were not on that list last year, and there's probably a handful of players around the league - guys like Trey McBride, Dalton Kincaid, Evan Engram and Kyle Pitts, and maybe even Dalton Schultz - that believe they can take that next leap as well.
