Surprising Playmaker Named Dallas Cowboys’ Best Building Block

As the Dallas Cowboys get prepared for the 2024 season, some unfamiliar faces could be in prominent roles. Offensively, things could change drastically depending on what happens with star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb is coming off the most productive season of his career in 2023. He led the NFL with 135 receptions, gaining 1,749 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.

His status as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL has been cemented. Awaiting a contract offer that reflects that, Lamb has not been present at any of the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason workouts to this point.

That has provided other players with a chance to get more reps and step up into larger roles during the offseason program. One of those players is tight end Jake Ferguson, who has been selected by David Kenyon of Bleacher Report as the Dallas Cowboys’ most promising building block heading into 2024.

“While cornerback DaRon Bland is ineligible, defensive tackle Mazi Smith struggled in his rookie year. As a result, Jake Ferguson stands out as the best choice in Dallas.

He reeled in 71 passes for 761 yards—which both trailed only CeeDee Lamb—and five touchdowns last season. Ferguson’s spot as Dak Prescott’s safety outlet may only increase now that Tony Pollard left for Tennessee in free agency,” wrote Kenyon.

Ferguson has proven a capable replacement for Dalton Schultz, who departed in free agency in 2023 and signed with the Houston Texans. He was a prominent part of the Dallas Cowboys’ passing offense for years and Ferguson slid into his pass-catching role seamlessly.

A fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin, Ferguson made his first Pro Bowl last season. He was seventh among tight ends in receiving yards last season and was tied for the third most touchdown receptions among players at the position.

With another Dak Prescott safety net in running back Tony Pollard departing in free agency, Ferguson’s role was set to grow in 2024. If Lamb misses any portion of the season, Ferguson could become Prescott’s No. 1 option in the passing game.

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