Dallas Cowboys: Five 2018 NFL Draft options to replace Dez Bryant

Who says that Dez Bryant’s replacement has to be a wide receiver? The reality is that Bryant has become a red zone threat who provides big play ability and average value outside of that clearly crucial, but admittedly limited role.

With Jason Witten closer to his Hall of Fame induction than a return to 1,000-yard form, the Cowboys must at least consider Mike Gesicki in Round 1.

Gesicki isn’t just an elite athlete for a tight end; he’d receive that distinction at wide receiver, as well. At the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine, he ranked No. 1 at his position in the 40-yard dash, 20-yard shuttle, 60-yard shuttle, vertical jump, broad jump, and three-cone drill.

Throw in a ranking of No. 2 in the bench press and Gesicki is unequivocally the most athletic tight end in this draft class.

What’s most impressive is that he ran a faster 40-yard dash than Antonio Brown and had a higher vertical than Odell Beckham Jr. Beyond the measurements, the 6’5″ matchup nightmare routinely exposed defenders in a strong defensive conference.

Gesicki accumulated a combined 105 receptions for 1,242 yards and 14 touchdowns between his junior and senior seasons—and that only scratched the surface of his potential.