The Dallas Cowboys did not do anything about the possible departure of Jason Witten on the NFL draft second day. They did add a possible replacement for Dez Bryant. Dallas has taken Connor Williams, University of Texas offensive lineman in the second round and Michael Gallup, wide receiver from Colorado State in the third on Friday night amid questions over how they might fill up a hole at tight end if the veteran player Jason Witten retires after 15 seasons to start with a career in broadcasting.
Stephen Jones, Dallas vice president, said that he did not feel to draft a tight end. The current roster includes unproven Blake Jarwin, Rico Gathers and Geoff Swain at the position. Bryant was released this month as a cost-cutting move after subpar seasons since the signing of a $70 million, five-year contract following his All-Pro season at receiver in the year 2014.
Jones said, “We came up with (Gallup) that really could make a difference for us. I don’t think that we’re going to live in a world right now that we used to live in with Dez, a true No. 1 guy.” One pick after the NFC East rival Philadelphia traded with the Indianapolis to select Dallas Goedert, a South Dakota State tight end; the Cowboys took Williams at No. 50.
Dallas and the other teams presented the 6 feet 5 inch and 296 pound Williams as a guard, but the Cowboys could keep him at a tackle.
Jason Garrett said, “We see him more as an interior guy. His length isn’t ideal; it’s 33-inch arms. We have scouts and personnel people who are convicted he can play outside as well.” The Cowboys have seven picks over the final four rounds, starting a pair of four round choices on Saturday.
