byDallas Cowboys Mailbag,Patrik Walker&Tommy Yarrish

(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)

If pick 12 comes around and Penn State tight end Tyler Warren is there, how do you pass on him? A lot of people say the Cowboys don't need a tight end, but he's a stud who can immediately improve the run game, the passing game and the red zone. Even though Dallas seems set at the position, he'd be the No. 1 tight end on the roster.Mark Blackie/Mount Union, PA

Patrik:This is certainly no knock to the player, but it's not hard for me to pass on him at No. 12 to answer your question. It's actually easy for me when considering all of the variables at play. Can Warren add another weapon for Prescott and Schottenheimer? Absolutely. Can he block? Well enough. But here's the kicker: will he be needed right now, or even through 2026, presumably, to step right in and be a gamebreaker? No. And that's where you run into trouble with this scenario. The Cowboys have a dire need at RB1 and at WR2, a question at right guard (or center if you move Cooper Beebe over), a cornerback depth issue atop and in the middle of that chart that should make your stomach turn, etc.; and being willing to stare other plays in the face like (possibly) Tet McMillan, Matthew Golden or Ashton Jeanty in the face and say no thanks could be viewed as organizational malpractice. Warren deserves to be on someone's radar early in the first round, but I'd bet there are others who'll be available that are higher on their board in the whole discussion of "BPA+need", and I'm of that same mindset, to be honest.

Tommy:Tyler Warren is an incredible talent and is going to be drafted very high. I'm not sure that he'll even make it to #12 to be drafted, but even if he did, I think the Cowboys have greater needs that they need to fill on the roster right now. Every single one of their tight ends are still on rookie deals, and they've got five in the room. This team needs a wide receiver, cornerback, defensive tackle and running back more than they need a tight end, even considering how versatile Warren is. You always want to be in a spot to pick the best player available, but even if Warren is available, I think there will be better options at positions of need too.

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