So we are probably developing them just fine then. Afterall, if they weren't developed they would likely flop on another team. We just aren't actually using them.
Their success was related to their talent. It's not like we incubated guys off the street into football players for these other teams. These were 2nd round picks.
And isn't using them kind of the reason they're on the team?
We failed to utilize their talent. Other teams used them and in the case of Martellus have continued to use them well.
Simple example, Witten is an average scorer and is in general not known for YAC (amazing de-helmeting play vs Philly aside). Meanwhile in his first year Bennett flashed outstanding potential in an exactly complementary manner, scoring 4 TDs. I can recall his taking a dink pass perfectly in stride to go 20+ yards.
How did we not further exploit that potential the next several years I have no idea.
Fasano did jack shat two years in Dallas and by comparison exploded the next five years in Miami, consistently turning in solid TE numbers including 24 TDs (1 more than Witten).
I fear Gathers just isn't going to get the attention it will take to develop in Dallas.