Cowboys' second-year TE John Stephens Jr. could be a versatile offensive weapon in 2024

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John Stephens Jr. is a name to remember in Dallas' WR and TE position battles.

After joining the Dallas Cowboys as an undrafted free agent last year, John Stephens Jr. was well on his way to not only making the final 53-roster, but quite possibly carving out an offensive role for himself. Unfortunately, a season-ending ACL injury in preseason ended up cutting his rookie year short before any of that could happen.

Heading into Year 2 with the Cowboys, Stephens Jr. could potentially find himself in an even more favorable position to carve out a significant offensive role for himself. Due to the way the Dallas' roster is currently constructed and the questionable depth at both tight end and wide receiver, Stephens Jr. could find himself in a unique situation.

Prior to training camp the Cowboys are still searching for someone to step up behind both CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks at WR as well as filling out the depth chart behind their starting TE Jake Ferguson. Stephens Jr. could possibly help both positions. At 6'5", 221-pounds according to the Cowboys, he has the talent/skill set to play a hybrid WR/TE role.

John Stephens Jr. is a TE prospect in the 2023 draft class. He scored a 9.07 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 98 out of 1046 TE from 1987 to 2023. https://t.co/CtOwfyP93m #RAS pic.twitter.com/xSAxl0ADde

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 22, 2023

While he is listed as a TE on the Cowboys depth chart, his background is that of a wide receiver. That kind of versatility could make him a unique mismatch weapon for Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy to utilize in a variety of different ways this season. Of course, that all depends on how he's able to rebound from his ACL injury.

So far, the signs are pointing to Stephens Jr. being on track to suit up in some capacity when the Cowboys report to training camp July 24. While it's true the coaching staff will probably take the cautious approach and ease him into things to help prevent any kind of setback, it's also true his return to the field will be met with much anticipation.

With his unique size/speed combo and potential WR/TE position flex, he is definitely a player to keep an eye on once training camp and preseason gets underway. He brings something a little different to the table than anybody else he will be competing with on the roster, which is why his return will create interest once training camp fires up.