The Dallas Cowboys have one of the most talented tight ends in the game in Jason Witten. They also have one of the most talented young tight ends in Martellus Bennett.
This year, Witten has caught 58 passes for 709 yards and three touchdowns. Bennett has caught 15 passes for 242 yards and four touchdowns. Barring trades and releases, the Cowboys are set for the next 10 years at tight end.
Bennett was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys this year in the second round with the 61st overall pick. Last year at Texas A&M, Bennett had 49 catches for 587 yards and four touchdowns.
As various Cowboys coaches have said, Bennett has the tools to be great. But it's up to him. Bennett stands 6'7" inches and weighs 253 pounds, one of the biggest pass-catchers in the National Football League.
In a win over Seattle, he caught two passes for 35 yards. In Tony Romo's first game back from injury, the Cowboys defeated division-rival Washington. In that game, Bennett caught just one pass for 25 yards, but that one pass was a touchdown strike that turned out to be crucial in a 14-10 win.
Before entering the draft, he became close with Bills tight end Kevin Everett. Last year, Everett suffered what could have been a life-threatening injury. Rumor had it he would never walk again. Everett went to the Super Bowl with Roger Goodell and even made an appearance on Oprah where he was able to walk under his own power.
"It was real touching. Me and Kevin became close through the process," Bennett said of his relationship with Everett. "When I went to Miami for my visit he was there and I've talked him ever since my high school time. I wore his jersey number in the Monroe game (9/15/07) and then in the Miami game because he played at Miami. After the Miami game we had some down time because it was a Thursday night game so I went down the hospital and as soon as I got there he started talking trash because we lost to them. Me and him have always had a good relationship."
Cowboys tight ends coach John Garrett has realized the potential Bennett brings to the team and is on him constantly during practice. During mini camp, Garrett was on the rookie hard.
He uttered advice such as: "You wanna play ball for Dallas? Show it in your play. Get a mental rep every single time, Martellus. Hey! We asked you that this morning, we expect you to know that. Buckle your chinstrap. Attention to detail, that's what you need to succeed in this league. Ball on the opposite shoulder. Turn and go, turn and go, turn and go! Plant and go! Ball in the other hand. We do not fumble. Put it in your left hand, put it in your left hand. Across the chest, just like that. There you go."
Of course, Garrett is on the rookie hard because of the talent he brings.
"Martellus has a chance to be a good player," Garrett said. "He's got all the physical attributes. It's up to him, though. He's got to work at it."
10 comments Last one added 7 months ago — Leave a Comment
John Lorge 7 months ago
Hard Knocks gave us a great look at MB. He comes across as lazy, especially the way he practices. In game situations he plays hard and blocks to the whistle. Hes gonna be good, and should give the Cowboys a legit 2 TE attack for 16 games next season.
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James Williamson 7 months ago
He has become one of the best rookies we have. He wants to play for Dallas since he grew up here, and that is a factor that is very underrated. The one thing about a true Texan is we are proud to be Texans, and when we play in Texas, it adds a boost to our power. That is why Zach Thomas is with us. He is from Texas originally.
Nice to see you write about something other than the Ravens. Great Article.
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Isaac Barrow 7 months ago
Thanks for like 8 P.o.t.D's. lol
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James Williamson 7 months ago
Idk what happened there dude. My computer is f----d up
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Isaac Barrow 7 months ago
Hahaha. You think Bennett will eventually be good?
it'll be tough, knowing Witten's 26
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James Williamson 7 months ago
Bennett can have a Hall of Fame career with a guy like Romo throwing passes. What makes Witten the number one tight end is everything else. Brillant at pass protection, receiving, run blocking, everything. He is a complete tight end, and Bennett can learn from that.
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Dan Parzych 7 months ago
Great article Issac. The fact that Bennett has always wanted to play for the Cowboys makes this story awesome. It's great to see guys go on to play for teams they grew up watching. As long as Witten's in Dallas, Bennett won't be starting any time soon. All he has to do is be patient.
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James Williamson 7 months ago
He doesn't have to start to get numbers though.
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Cody Swartz 7 months ago
Why can't the Eagles get a tight end? Seriously? And Bennett does look pretty good out there...
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Isaac Barrow 7 months ago
Yeah he's a good player I think he can be good in this league.
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