Cowboys training camp: John Stephens Jr. makes the tight end competition interesting
The Dallas Cowboys held a joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams to spice things up a bit before their preseason opener. The teams will face off this Sunday, with several storylines to follow. Can Trey Lance make a big impression on Sunday and throughout the preseason since Dak Prescott won’t play until the regular season? Which receivers will work their way further up the depth chart in the extended absence of CeeDee Lamb? As for the matter of undrafted free agents, which undrafted free agents will stand out Sunday? Perhaps the subject of today’s undrafted stock watch.
John Stephens Jr., tight end
John Stephens had a terrific day in the joint practice. Time and time again, he made plays to get into the end zone and keep the offense moving. Last year, Stephens was shining through the summer and making a name for himself in his transition from a college wide receiver. Even in the preseason, Stephens demonstrated that he was a mismatch for opposing defenses – too big for defensive backs and too quick for linebackers. If not for an ACL injury, Stephens might have persuaded the front office to name him to the 53-man roster.
This season, Stephens returns healthy and has started to pick up where he left off the last few days. Stephens is intriguing for the game against the Rams because he has started to build chemistry with Lance, who will likely play a half, if not more, on Sunday. Where Stephens’ impact is especially intriguing is where it’s compared with 2022 undrafted tight end Peyton Hendershot. Hendershot was absent from the Rams practice, and his status for this week’s game is unknown. The competition for tight end number three between the two players is closer than some might think.
Jake Ferguson is at the top of the order, coming off of a stellar Pro Bowl season; Luke Schoonmaker is currently injured but, as a second-round pick, is sure to make the team. The team needs a blocking tight end, a role that neither Hendershot nor Stephens will occupy, therefore placing Stephens and Hendershot in direct opposition. The longer Hendershot is unable to take part in team activities, the further he falls behind Stephens should his play remain consistent. It’s reasonable to believe that the Cowboys could trade Hendershot towards the end of the summer, and that would be an indication of how much belief they have in Stephens. Keep your eyes on this storyline to unfold over the next few weeks.