Jason Witten is the starting tight end on this team, but the real question is whether Martellus Bennett will make the leap in 2009 and become a premier tight end. Tim MacMahon of DallasNews.com talks about the Cowboys' tight end battle.
Roster locks: Jason Witten, Martellus Bennett
Safe bets: John Phillips
On the bubble: Scott Chandler
Long shots: Rodney Hannah
What's worth watching: Nobody questions whether Martellus Bennett has the talent to make a significant impact in his second season. Can he handle the mental aspect of the many roles the coaches have asked him to learn in order to maximize the potential of the two-tight end package?
It wasn't unusual to see Tony Romo have to help Bennett get lined up in the right spot during OTAs and minicamp. Since the Cowboys were installing a lot of new stuff at the time - and Bennett especially was learning new positions on the fly - the Aggie's occasional confusion was understandable. Bennett has had ample time to study his playbook, so he should know what he's doing in the Alamodome.
Jason Witten has proven himself as one of the league's premier tight ends. Bennett is bigger, faster, quicker and can jump higher. He performed well in a limited role as a rookie, and much more is expected of him this season.
Chandler, a Southlake Carroll product, was a fourth-round pick by the Chargers a couple years ago. But sixth-rounder Phillips has the upper hand in the competition to be the No. 3 tight end, because Phillips is a strong blocker and special teams player
