Cowboys Draft Tight End? Dak Prescott Reveals The 'Traits' Dallas Needs

The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to several tight ends in the 2023 NFL Draft - but what traits does quarterback Dak Prescott want in his Dalton Schultz replacement?

In a league where quarterbacks warrant plenty of input, the Dallas Cowboys have kept theirs quite involved in the decision-making process.

Dak Prescott, now entering his eighth season as the Cowboys' signal caller, told reporters Friday at the Children's Cancer Fund "Light It Up" Gala in Dallas that he is, like last year, watching tape on and speaking with receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.

But Prescott's Cowboys have their eyes at another pass-catching spot, with many analysts predicting a tight end will be Dallas' selection at No. 26 overall.

Could it be Utah's Dalton Kincaid? What about Notre Dame's Michael Mayer?

The actual player is, naturally, dependent on traits - with Prescott revealing which characteristics he values most at the tight end position.

"I just think about intelligence," Prescott said. "Running back is a (quarterback's) best friend, but a tight end knows just as much as a quarterback, when it comes to the blocking, pass protection, his hots, his sights and just the zones in the middle ...

"It comes down to intelligence and communication. Some of that has to be worked on. But yeah, smart guy."

The Cowboys' need at tight end stems from Dalton Schultz signing with the Houston Texans, which meant the loss of one of Prescott's most reliable targets.

Schultz caught 57 passes for 577 yards and five touchdowns this past season, ranking second on the team behind CeeDee Lamb in all three categories.

But now, with Schultz out of the picture, Dallas has its sights set elsewhere - though Prescott is taking lessons learned from both he and Cowboys great Jason Witten to help mold his evaluation process.

"You think of Witten, he's the greatest to do it," Prescott said. "And I think something that helped Dalton, he had that year under Witten and understanding the feel and understanding how to talk to a quarterback and get in the quarterback's head and make sure you're thinking the same thing."

The question that needs answering is who's next in line at tight end for Dallas - with a final determination set to come Apr. 27, when the draft kicks off in Kansas City, Mo.

But for Prescott, perhaps it's less about who the pick is and more about what they possess ... with "intelligence and communication" topping the quarterback's wish list.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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