Training camp is often a time where observations tend to be geared towards rookies, position battles, and pet cats. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t notice when a player continues to grow into a better version of himself.
That looks like it’s happening with Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson. Despite all the eyes on some of the relatively unknown players who are making an impression, the third-year man is going about his business of improving and becoming an even bigger part of the offense. After a breakout season in 2023, the Cowboys are intent on ensuring that happens.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was asked about Ferguson’s progression in Year 3 and he spoke very highly of the young TE.
“If you watch this guy and his leadership, and he’s found his voice in that room, he’s so well respected. He’s a tone setter. How does he do it again, don’t change…The thing with Jake is he doesn’t want to get bored with the little things. It’s those little fundamentals that he’s training each day with LW (tight ends coach Lunda Wells) that’s going to make him a great player. And again, we’re moving him around. We’re doing some different things with him. You’ll see him playing some fullback and doing things that are new for him just because we want to be versatile this year with all of our pieces.”
That sounds like a player who is becoming a leader, as well as continuing to ascend in the offense. Much has been made about who will step up as the third receiver in the passing game, but Ferguson is already cemented in his role as a top option for quarterback Dak Prescott. Ferguson was second in targets and catches last season, and he should be able to expand on his numbers heading into his second year as the starting TE. After taking over for former TE Dalton Schultz, Ferguson caught 71 passes, for 761 yards and five scores, proving the offense was in good hands at the position.
In camp, Ferguson has continued to show his progress. Prescott connected with Ferguson on a Mojo Moment for a touchdown, and the combination is clicking early in camp.
The Cowboys have a deep TE room and Ferguson couldn’t rest on his laurels, so he needed to prove he wasn’t a one-year wonder. After selecting TE Luke Schoonmaker in the second round of the 2023 draft, Ferguson has to play well to keep his grasp on the starting job. So far in camp, mission accomplished.
Training camp can be mundane, and the focus can sometimes get shifted to the lesser known players or the fun stories that develop along the way. While that’s been happening, don’t forget the steady play and continuing improvement from some of the other guys who are expected to play big roles for the Cowboys in 2024.
Jake Ferguson falls into that category and his ascension into a centerpiece of the offense is something to watch in training camp.
