What they're saying: Luke Schoonmaker has 'sky-high pass-catching ceiling' with Dallas Cowboys

Michigan Wolverines football tight end Luke Schoonmaker was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 58 overall pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Here’s a look around the internet at what they’re saying about the choice.

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John Owning, PFF: 2023 NFL Draft: How TE Luke Schoonmaker fits with the Cowboys’ offense

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 251 pounds with a 4.63-second 40-yard dash, the former Michigan tight end has the physical traits to be a mismatch weapon in the passing game. He’s not quite there yet, but subtle improvements as a route runner and at the catch point could enable him to be a more productive receiver in the NFL than he ever was in college.

His elite athleticism (9.86 relative athletic score) gives him a sky-high pass-catching ceiling, as he has the speed to stretch the seam, the agility to create separation in and out of his breaks and the size combined with the leaping ability to present a mismatch even in contested-catch situations. Schoonmaker’s athleticism, paired with his lower-body flexibility and physicality, gives him an incredibly high ceiling as a route runner, which would be a welcome sight for quarterback Dak Prescott.

Schoonmaker is the big-bodied target that can prove to be an effective outlet for Prescott, and don’t be surprised if he does a better job generating yards after the catch than Dalton Schultz did in previous seasons, as he does a phenomenal job of quickly transitioning into being a runner after securing the catch.

Luckily, while he develops as a pass-catcher, Schoonmaker has the blocking ability to make an impact immediately, showing a strong latch and impressive ability to create open running lanes on the edge. Schoonmaker is one of the few tight ends who is a capable blocker both in-line and out in space, giving him the flexibility to be moved around the formation and still be a weapon in the running game.

Jon Machota, The Athletic: Cowboys draft Luke Schoonmaker in Round 2: Michigan TE should compete for starting spot

Because of the offense Michigan plays, the Cowboys expect Schoonmaker to contribute quickly as a blocker and pass catcher. They would not have drafted him in the second round if they didn’t expect him to compete for immediate playing time, especially considering how much Ferguson and Hendershot played last year as rookies. This is the highest pick the Cowboys have used on a tight end since taking Gavin Escobar in the second round in 2013. Ferguson was a fourth-round pick. [Peyton] Hendershot and [Sean] McKeon were undrafted free agents.

“Schoonmaker is only average in most areas, but he has the size, speed and strength to be a solid possession receiver and positional blocker,” Dane Brugler wrote. “His well-rounded game will help him become a steady No. 2 (and potential No. 1) tight end for an NFL team.”

David Helman, Fox Sports: Cowboys address needs by drafting TE Luke Schoonmaker, LB DeMarvion Overshown

Much like Mazi Smith, his college and now-professional teammate, Schoonmaker is a very large man with exceptional athleticism.

There will be concerns about a shoulder injury, the fact that he turns 25 in September and his 637 career receiving yards. Clearly, this is about what Dallas thinks Schoonmaker can be, rather than what he has been.

The Connecticut native is 6-foot-5 and weighs 251 pounds, but his Relative Athletic Score is an impressive 9.86, putting him in the 99th percentile among tight ends in recent history. Combine that with a history of blocking in Michigan’s run-heavy offense, and it’s easy to see why the Cowboys favored him.

Garrett Podell, CBS Sports: 2023 NFL Draft grades: Cowboys fill another need with second straight Michigan Wolverine in Luke Schoonmaker

Schoonmaker can create separation on his routes and he has a vise-like grip when securing the football. However, he’s not much of a threat after the catch. [Owner] Jerry Jones can now check the box on the tight end position, but the pick likely stands as a bit of a reach given the player chosen. 

Reid Hanson, Cowboys Wire: 5 things to know about Cowboys TE Luke Schoonmaker

Elite blocker

Schoonmaker is regarded as one of the best run blockers in the class. He’s strong, but more importantly, willing to do all the dirty work. Schultz’s willingness appeared to fade as his tenure with the Cowboys progressed and it had an impact on the running game.

Dallas clearly wanted to fix that.

Michigan’s pro-style offense demands many of the same responsibilities from their tight ends that the Cowboys will demand. He knows how to work inline and work with his tackles to effectively handle blocking assignments.

Pass-catching mystery

While Schoonmaker showed skill and efficiency catching the ball, he’s largely untested. He prefers to run crossing routes because he can help his quarterback and utilize his speed after the catch.

Over the past two seasons, he only has four receptions over 25-yards. He may never be field stretcher but he has size, speed and athletic ability to develop as a pass-catcher.