(The-DallasCowboys.com is evaluating the entire roster in an attempt to find the strengths and weaknesses on both sides of the ball.  Today, part three of this series features the fullback/tight-end position)

Part Three - Tight-Ends & Fullbacks

Since fullbacks are a thin position for any team and they are essentially the same position as a tight-end, we will cover these two positions in the same article.

The Cowboys made a couple of interesting maneuvers this offseason in terms of dealing with the tight end position.  After trading away Anthony Fasono, who the Cowboys drafted just a few years ago in the second round, they decided to take a new tight end in the second round of this years draft.  With the 61st overall pick in the draft Dallas took Texas A&M tight end Martellus Bennett.  It was sort of a surprise, but not a bad decision by any means.

The 6’6, 259 pound two-sport athlete had a great career at A&M, catching 105 passes for 1,246 yards and ten touchdowns.  He also set a school record for recording a reception in 29 straight games. 

Jerry Jones has said that Bennett, who he felt was the most complete tight end prospect in the draft, will not be used as a backup to Jason Witten but rather a compliment to the Pro Bowler.

Regardless of whether Bennett is effective with the Cowboys or not, Dallas still has one of the best tight ends in the league, and certainly the most productive over the last couple seasons. The 4-time Pro Bowler had an electrifying season in 2007.  He set a team record for tight ends with 96 receptions, and only the third tight end in NFL history to have 96 or more receptions.  He also added 1,145 yards and found the endzone seven times.  More importantly, Witten has become Romo’s favorite target and opens up the field for other receivers like Terrell Owens.  He will continue to dominate as the starting tight end.

The Cowboys also have a couple other tight ends on the roster – Tony Curtis, Drew Atchison, and Rodney Hannah. While Atchison and Hannah are only rookies, Tony Curtis looked somewhat impressive during 2007.  He only managed to record three catches, but they were all for touchdowns.  Not bad for a third string tight end trying to find his way on to the field with one of the league’s best passing teams.

As for fullbacks, Deon Anderson looked great last season until going down to an injury.  After spending the majority of 2007 on the injured reserve, he will look to compete his way back onto the field this season.  He didn’t get any carries, but he looked great out of the backfield making receptions and did a fine job of blocking.  The Cowboys also have two other fullbacks on the roster – rookie Julius Crosslin and four year player Ronnie Cruz.

Due to not knowing how the rookies and younger players are going to turn out or contribute, it is difficult to grade them high.

Next Position Evaluation - Wide Receivers