Jason Witten has been one of the most reliable tight ends in NFL history. Only Tony Gonzalez has more catches (1,325) by a tight end. In Cowboys’ history, Witten’s 1,020 catches are a record and he is No. 2 in yards. The chemistry he shares with Tony Romo makes him a threat each week to put up big fantasy points.
Jason Witten
ESPN Fantasy projection: 72.9 catches, 769.6 yards, 5.4 touchdowns
Over or under: Witten is coming off a season in which he averaged a career-low 9.3 yards per catch, but some of that was due to the quarterback play in Romo’s absence and their lack of comfort with the offense. Witten has never been a burner but is reliable, and he and Romo have a knack for making big plays at the biggest times. His touchdown totals for his career have been limited because of the receivers he has played with on the outside from Terrell Owens to Dez Bryant. No player is more motivated by those who doubt him and Witten has heard whispers this offseason that he is slowing down. Three years ago he was doubted after a slow start and caught 110 passes, an NFL record for tight ends. His role has changed with the commitment to the running game, but he will put up more catches and yards than the projections. The touchdown total seems about right.
Who else could see time: James Hanna, Gavin Escobar and Geoff Swaim. Hanna, who is set for knee surgery that could keep him out of the opener, is the No. 2 tight end but with targets going elsewhere he is largely a forgotten man. Escobar, a former second-round pick, is coming off a torn Achilles and could be a red zone threat. Seven of his 26 career catches have gone for touchdowns. Swaim has had a productive camp but falls in line with Hanna. The Cowboys might not be able to keep four tight ends on their 53-man roster.
