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Gavin Escobar has lined up like a wide receiver, but he’s not looking to be classified as one
By Jon Machota jmachota@dallasnews.com
2:16 pm on July 28, 2014 | Permalink
OXNARD, Calif. — Gavin Escobar is five pounds heavier than he was at this time last year.
The Dallas Cowboys’ second-year tight end is weighing in at 254 pounds, and he feels much stronger than when he entered training camp as a rookie.
“I know a lot more of it is just strength,” Escobar said. “That was more important for me to just get stronger to help out in the run game.”
In May, Cowboys Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten said he was proud of Escobar for adding strength and working in the off-season to become a better blocker.
Escobar was on the field for 207 snaps last season. His 2014 goal is to see that number increase.
“I want to be on the field as much as possible, so whatever it takes to do that,” Escobar said. “Obviously, more production this year, an increased role in the running game. Just overall, more of a role.”
And it probably doesn’t hurt that he has a nine-time Pro Bowler in Witten showing him the way.
“It’s great being able to learn from Jason,” Escobar said. “All I really have to do is watch his film and just try to do that. Just being able to learn from him every day is great.”
Escobar’s greatest strength is his pass-catching ability. And at 6-6, he gives quarterbacks a big target.
Cowboys offensive play-caller Scott Linehan is trying different ways to get last year’s second-round pick involved in the passing game. During training camp practices, Escobar has often lined up out wide.
But don’t expect him to follow in Jimmy Graham’s footsteps and make a case that he’s a wide receiver.
“Nah,” Escobar said. “I don’t think that worked out.”
Last month, Graham, the New Orleans Saints’ Pro Bowl tight end, was denied request to be considered a wide receiver. The franchise tag for a tight end this year is $7 million. The tag number for a wide receiver is $12 million.
By Jon Machota jmachota@dallasnews.com
2:16 pm on July 28, 2014 | Permalink
OXNARD, Calif. — Gavin Escobar is five pounds heavier than he was at this time last year.
The Dallas Cowboys’ second-year tight end is weighing in at 254 pounds, and he feels much stronger than when he entered training camp as a rookie.
“I know a lot more of it is just strength,” Escobar said. “That was more important for me to just get stronger to help out in the run game.”
In May, Cowboys Pro Bowl tight end Jason Witten said he was proud of Escobar for adding strength and working in the off-season to become a better blocker.
Escobar was on the field for 207 snaps last season. His 2014 goal is to see that number increase.
“I want to be on the field as much as possible, so whatever it takes to do that,” Escobar said. “Obviously, more production this year, an increased role in the running game. Just overall, more of a role.”
And it probably doesn’t hurt that he has a nine-time Pro Bowler in Witten showing him the way.
“It’s great being able to learn from Jason,” Escobar said. “All I really have to do is watch his film and just try to do that. Just being able to learn from him every day is great.”
Escobar’s greatest strength is his pass-catching ability. And at 6-6, he gives quarterbacks a big target.
Cowboys offensive play-caller Scott Linehan is trying different ways to get last year’s second-round pick involved in the passing game. During training camp practices, Escobar has often lined up out wide.
But don’t expect him to follow in Jimmy Graham’s footsteps and make a case that he’s a wide receiver.
“Nah,” Escobar said. “I don’t think that worked out.”
Last month, Graham, the New Orleans Saints’ Pro Bowl tight end, was denied request to be considered a wide receiver. The franchise tag for a tight end this year is $7 million. The tag number for a wide receiver is $12 million.
