Dallas' Schultz still has the 'boom' to grow
Boom
Dalton Schultz, Dallas: I know you may be thinking Schultz has already arrived, but he will have a bigger season in 2022.
With the departure of Amari Cooper and injuries to Michael Gallup and James Washington to start the season, the Cowboys will have to rely on their top targets from last year, CeeDee Lamb and Schultz.
Schultz should see an uptick of 15-20 percent in targets (he had 104 targets last year) at the beginning of the season, and he’s proved he can handle a heavy workload when called upon.
Schultz saw 6 for more targets in 11 of the 17 games during 2021 and scored 6 of his 8 TDs in those high-targeted games.
Bust
Mike Gesicki, Miami: It doesn’t make sense for the Dolphins to place the franchise tag on a tight end coming off of a career year for receptions and yards, and then just turn him into a blocking TE.
Even Gesicki has admitted recently, “I’m learning a new position …,” according to a story from The Palm Beach Post.
New coach Mike McDaniels comes from the Kyle Shanahan coaching line and whose offenses require their tight ends to block, something Gesicki rarely did lining up in the slot last season.
Add in the addition of Tyreek Hill to go along with Jaylen Waddle, targets may be limited for Gesicki this season.
Sleeper
Irv Smith Jr., Minnesota: The Vikings have finally handed the starting TE job to a healthy Smith, and what a perfect season to receive it.
The Vikings are expected to pass more this season to take advantage of their offensive weapons, and Smith is one of those weapons.
The third-year TE has caught 73 percent of the passes thrown his way and has a knack of scoring TDs, 7 in 66 catches (11 percent).
An uptick in targets, the ability to be used in the red zone and an efficient QB in Kirk Cousins each bode well for a big season from Smith.
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