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NFL Draft grades: Experts believe Dallas Cowboys reached with Luke Schoonmaker pick

clayton-sayfieby:Clayton Sayfie•04/28/23•

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Luke Schoonmaker
(Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

Michigan Wolverines football had its second prospect go to the Dallas Cowboys, with tight end Luke Schoonmaker being selected No. 58 overall in the second round Friday, after defensive tackle Mazi Smith was chosen No. 26 in the first Thursday night.

Schoonmaker was projected as a third-to-fourth-round pick, so it was a mild surprise that he went off the board so early. He’s the Wolverines’ highest-drafted tight end since Bennie Joppru in 2003 (second round, No. 41 overall).

Here’s a look at draft grades on Schoonmaker to the Cowboys from NFL media members.

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Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated: B-

“The Cowboys found their Dalton Schultz replacement with Schoonmaker, who offers versatility as a solid pass catcher and blocker,” Manzano wrote. “Schoonmaker, who will now catch passes from Dak Prescott, averaged 11.8 yards per reception in college.”

Charles McDonald, Yahoo Sports: C+

“Schoonmaker is a solid prospect, but the Cowboys might have been able to get him later in the draft,” McDonald wrote. “Tight end is a big need for the Cowboys, so the pick makes sense.”

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report: C

“The Dallas Cowboys needed to address tight end after Dalton Schultz left in free agency to join the Houston Texans,” Sobleski wrote. “Schoonmaker is the team’s choice to do so. Jake Ferguson can still be a contributor, but the Michigan product brings a superior athletic profile, even when compared to Schultz when he entered the league.

Scott Dochterman, The Athletic: C-

“After losing Dalton Schultz in free agency, the Cowboys needed to find at least a second tight end in the draft to play alongside Jake Ferguson,” Dochterman wrote. “They found one in Schoonmaker, but they bypassed two higher-rated available tight ends, according to Brugler.

“Tremendous size (6-5 ¼, 251) coupled with a quality senior year led Schoonmaker to a solid senior season at Michigan. Despite a pair of shoulder injuries, Schoonmaker finished with 35 catches for 418 yards and three touchdowns for the Big Ten champion Wolverines. It was his only season as Michigan’s primary tight end.

“Schoonmaker ran the 40 in 4.63 seconds at the combine. Perhaps he’s not physically elite in any area, but he’s solid enough as a route runner and a blocker to become an asset as a No. 2 or No. 3 tight end.”

DraftKings Nation: C

“Schoonmaker isn’t likely to be the answer for the Cowboys at tight end, but he should be a good blocker and quality TE2,” the site wrote.

Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: C-

“Strong hands. Not a YAC type whatsoever and only broke out at the end of a long career,” Trapasso opined. “Fun player who fills a need but this is too early.”

Joseph Acosta, SB Nation: C-

“I didn’t think Schoonmaker would go in Day 2, let alone over [Georgia’s] Darnell Washington. Odd pick here.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: D

“The Cowboys did get their tight end room replenished with Dalton Schultz leaving in free agency, but this is a curious reach given Darnell Washington and other much better blockers and athletes were left at the position,” Iyer wrote.

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