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In the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft the Dallas Cowboys select San Diego State tight end Gavin Escobar with the No. 47 overall pick. Escobar is more of a pass catching tight end similar to Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates. He also has in common with those two players that Escobar is a former basketball player, and it shows in his athleticisms.
For a tight end he has above average speed and can at times get behind defensive backs. Despite being a more wide receiver than tight end, Escobar still has the ability to engage as a solid run blocker, if he gets in the right position.
His weaknesses are that he is timid of the line at times and is not very explosive from his three-point stance. Escobar probably will not be asked to lineup all that often as a de facto offensive lineman, but he does need to have that skill. His lack of consistent blocking is what limited his playing time in 2011.
Escobar was one of the more consistent weapons for San Diego State over the past two years where he hauled in 93 receptions, 13 touchdowns for 1,323, yards. He is really a receiver that can create mismatches with his 6-foot-6 frame, and catches the ball with ease from multiple areas.
This pick is for the future as the Cowboys will need a replacement for Jason Witten, and Escobar has the potential to fit that roll since Dallas uses the tight end as another wide receiver.