Some veterans get defensive about their team using a high draft pick at their position.
But Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said he welcomes second-rounder Gavin Escobar, since the team needed to address the position to make good on the promise of more two-tight end sets this season.
“Oh, yeah. I did,” Witten said, via Carlos Mendez of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “I think that’s a big part of where we’re seeing our football team go. I think, more than anything else, I looked at it and said it’s showing there’s a commitment to this package and growing that.
“When you take a guy that high, that’s something that you obviously see happening.”
Escobar’s a talented receiver who gives the Cowboys options in the passing game, and he’s fortunate to have a respected leader like Witten to train him.
“There’s no ego there for me,” Witten said. “It’s all about winning. That’s part of being a leader and a captain — is to help other guys play at a high level. There’s no hard feelings from that standpoint.”
Witten thinks James Hanna can still make an impact, but after losing John Phillips in free agency to the Chargers, the Cowboys needed to add there, and putting a receiving threat like Escobar on the field with Witten, the Cowboys have a chance to diversify.