5 best training camp battles for Cowboys in 2019

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FRISCO, TX – MAY 22: Dallas Cowboys tight end Blake Jarwin (89) makes a catch during the Dallas Cowboys OTA on May 22, 2019 at The Star in Frisco, TX. (Photo by George Walker/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

4. Backup Tight End

If we had written this post a year ago, the starting tight end spot would probably be number one on Dallas’ camp battles list. That won’t be the case this season thanks to the un-retirement of Jason Witten.

Witten came back to Dallas after a less than stellar year in the broadcast booth, and he will resume his role as the starting tight end. That means last year’s regular tight ends are now competing to be Witten’s backup.

The most productive tight end from last year’s roster was Blake Jarwin, who caught 27 passes for 307 yards and three touchdowns during the regular season. Those numbers aren’t overwhelming, but Jarwin does offer a ton of value as a blocker.

The other intriguing option is Dalton Schultz, the Cowboys’ fourth round pick a year ago. Schultz didn’t do a ton in his rookie season, catching only 12 passes for 117 yards, but he was also fighting for reps with Jarwin and Rico Gathers.

Gathers will be in the mix as well, but he will have to serve a one game suspension to start the season, which could impact his chances of claiming that role. Jarwin may have a leg up here due to his blocking, but he will have to earn his spot in camp.

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