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TE Gavin Escobar - died in a rock-climbing accident 9.29.2022 (1 Viewer)

Faust

MVP
Could Gavin Escobar be the Cowboys' next big thing?

http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/sto...-two-touchdowns-jason-witten-tony-romo-future

Rana L. Cash

October 19, 2014 8:10pm

Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo declared recently that tight end Jason Witten could be the best Dallas Cowboy ever.

Its a big stretch under any circumstance. But on Sunday, Witten moved into second place among NFL tight ends for receiving yards when he reached 10,065 and climbing. He moved ahead of former Broncos great Shannon Sharpe (10,060) and is of course a long way behind Tony Gonzalez (15,127).

All good things come to an end, though, and with 12 seasons under his belt, youd have to think Witten wont be a Cowboy for too much longer.

This is a good time and place, then, to introduce Gavin Escobar.

The second-year pro from San Diego State is showing convincing flashes that he could be the replacement for Witten that Cowboys will need someday soon.

He caught touchdowns passes in the first and third quarters of the Cowboys game Sunday against the Giants, for 15 and 26 yards respectively. Hed caught four passes for 20 yards and a score coming into the game.

Its becoming clearer that hes a comfortable option for Romo, building on a rookie campaign in which he caught nine passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

By the end of Dallas 31-21 win, Escobar had a more impressive stat line (3 catches, 65 yards, 21.7 average, 2 TDs) than Witten (2 catches, 27 yards, 13.5 avg., 0 TDs). Plus, Escobar was targeted three times, one more than Witten.

Its not that the two are in a competition. At this point, the Cowboys are already better than theyve been in years, and theres a good chance no one cares whether its Witten or Escobar in front when there is a W attached.

After the game, tight ends coach Mike Pope, fired by the Giants' Tom Coughlin last winter, was given the game ball.

"You know he was loving this," Escobar told reporters.

And you know the Cowboys are loving young Escobar, a player to keep an eye on whether its for your Fantasy stats, or the Cowboys real life future.
 
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Heavily criticized 2013 draft class coming up big for Cowboys:

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/cowboys/post/_/id/4735671/heavily-criticized-2013-draft-class-coming-up-big-for-cowboys

Excerpt:

Hey, at least GM Jerry’s army of critics still had Gavin Escobar to pick on. Geez, how many second-round tight ends are the Cowboys going to draft during Jason Witten’s career before figuring out that’s a luxury pick that goes to waste under coach Jason Garrett?

Wait, what’s that? Oh, Escobar has three touchdowns in the past two weeks, huh?

Perhaps Escobar’s 2-yard score in last week’s win over the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks could have been put in the sun-shines-on-a-dog’s-rear-every-once-in-a-while category. But it’s impossible to dismiss Escobar’s performance against the Giants, when he caught all three passes thrown his way, gaining 65 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

“I try to shut all that noise out, but you definitely hear it sometimes,” Escobar said, referring to the popular opinion that he was a bust. “It’s good to have a game like this. Maybe not so many haters out there today.”

The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Escobar will probably never be considered an overpowering blocker, but he has developed enough in that facet of the game to have his snaps increase significantly the past two weeks. That’s one reason why tight ends coach Mike Pope, a Giants assistant the previous 23 years, received a game ball from Garrett after Sunday’s win.

But the Escobar pick was always about his potential as a pass-catcher. When the Cowboys made the pick, they envisioned Escobar as a mismatch problem for defenses, particularly in the red zone. They believed Escobar could make the kind of plays he did Sunday, when he got wide open in the back of the end zone for a 15-yard score in the first quarter and extended to make a touch catch between two defenders for a 26-yard touchdown on a seam route in the third quarter.

“I just couldn't believe all those collisions that he had at the end of that catch, and what he was doing physically out there, and those soft pillow, powder-puff hands,” said Jones, seizing the opportunity to gloat a bit about the second-round pick who took a little while to pan out. “And the ball just disappears in them. Seriously, I don't know if we have -- that's the best hands that we've got, some of the best hands I've ever seen.”
 
June 12, 2014

Gavin Escobar feeling less stress in second year, trying to show Dallas Cowboys he can be a reliable blocker:

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/06/gavin-escobar-feeling-less-stress-in-second-season-trying-to-show-dallas-cowboys-he-can-be-a-reliable-blocker.html/

Excerpt:

This off-season, Escobar has been dedicated to getting stronger and improving his blocking technique. Escobar was drafted because of his ability as a receiver, catching 122 passes, 17 for touchdowns, in three seasons at San Diego State.

But he needs to become a better all-around player to warrant more playing time.

“Obviously I need to be reliable in the run game,” Escobar said. “I’m trying to show them that right now. … With the 12-personnel [two tight end sets] you can do so much with it, so just being able to do both is really the key.”

Cowboys tight end Jason Witten noticed Escobar’s dedication to improving during the off-season. New tight ends coach Mike Pope, who has raved about Escobar’s pass-catching ability, said he was impressed with what he saw from the 23-year-old during the winter.

“We know he can run the seams and can do some things in the passing game, but we need him to be solid in there [on the line],” Witten said. “He’s worked hard. To see that package grow for him and being out on the field is going to be a lot better because he can now do both.”

Working with a nutritionist, cooking for himself and cutting back on Chick-fil-A have helped Escobar add five pounds of muscle over the last few months. He began working out at Valley Ranch four days a week in February and has been a regular at the facility ever since.

He acknowledges that the added strength has allowed him to gain confidence in all aspects of his game.

Perhaps, one day he can become a standout all-around tight end similar to Witten.

“That would be awesome,” Escobar said. “Just to hear those words is awesome. Hopefully I’ll get there.”
 
May 20th, 2014

Jason Witten ‘proud’ of Gavin Escobar for getting stronger, improving as a blocker:

http://cowboysblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/jason-witten-proud-of-gavin-escobar-for-getting-stronger-improving-as-a-blocker.html/

Most, including Gavin Escobar, were surprised when the Dallas Cowboys selected the San Diego State tight end in the middle of the second round last year.

Many projected Escobar to come off the board at least a round later.

While the rival New York Giants might not have had Escobar graded as highly as the Cowboys, they weren’t far off.

New Cowboys tight end coach Mike Pope, a position coach with the Giants for 23 seasons, said New York had Escobar ranked “pretty close” to where the Cowboys selected him.

“He’s got a flytrap for hands,” Pope said. “He has tremendous catching ability. He’s got those basketball-type skills. He can contort his body and make the acrobatic catches. He’s a very, very high percentage catcher. If the ball gets to him, he can adjust to it. And he’s very brave running down the field. Because he’s a big target, they can hit about any part of the three feet on him. He’s courageous.”

Escobar played in all 16 games during his rookie season, catching nine passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns. But his snaps were limited for one major reason – he needs to become a better blocker.

To accomplish that goal, bulking up in the Valley Ranch weight room has been Escobar’s off-season regimen. Over the last week, Pope, head coach Jason Garrett and veteran tight end Jason Witten have all mentioned noticing Escobar’s added strength.

“He’s been methodically present and he’s worked really hard,” Pope said. “When you’re 6-7, there’s going to be some areas of your body that need more development. Most of the time, that’s the legs, and that was his background, being more of an athletic tight end, a space player. He’s worked hard this winter and I’ve been impressed by it.”

Witten has reached nine Pro Bowls and caught 879 passes because he’s been effective in both the running and passing game. To become more involved in the offense, Escobar must do the same.

According to Witten, the 23-year-old is on the right path.

“We know he can run the seams and can do some things in the passing game, but we need him to be solid in there [on the line],” Witten said. “He’s worked hard. To see that package grow for him and being out on the field is going to be a lot better because he can now do both.

“I’m proud of him. I know he’s worked hard. It’s paying off for him and I think his role will continue to grow. We need that. We need that not only in the slot, but we need that other guy up the middle.”
 
My free agency is closing this weekend and heavily considering Escobar a decent stash if Witten even has a chance of cut or retiring. Any thoughts or news about Witten's situation for Escobar's future?

 
My free agency is closing this weekend and heavily considering Escobar a decent stash if Witten even has a chance of cut or retiring. Any thoughts or news about Witten's situation for Escobar's future?
The Cowboys won't save any money by cutting Witten so I expect him back next year. 2016 could be Escobar's year though.

 
I'm sure it was part of the game plan against a tough front 7 of the Redskins to have Hanna in there more because he's a better blocker, but it was still disappointing to see Escobar only get in for a handful of snaps.

 
I posted this in another thread. But this thread likely has more longevity.

Escobar has put up some decent numbers with his very limited opportunity. He was much better as a rookie in YPR than he was last season, but he did score more TD

2013 16 games 197 offensive snaps 19.8% 15 targets 9 receptions 60% 134 yards 14.9 ypc 2TD

2014 16 games 262 offensive snaps 24.7% 13 targets 9 receptions 69.2% 105 yards 11.7 ypc 4TD

Jason Witten played on 98.9% of the offensive snaps in 2014 and 98.7% of them in 2013

The problem is Escobar isn't getting as many snaps as TE James Hanna who had 327 offensive snaps 30.9% or Cole Beasley 434 offensive snaps 41% who was signed to a new contract.

There has been a change in focus on offense because of Scott Linehan as the passing game coordinator. He wasn't part of the staff when they drafted Escobar.

So as you say a new team might be the best thing for his future opportunity to become a useful player in FF. I think the heavy use of him in the red zone is encouraging but it would be good to see him out snap guys like Hanna before pinning too much hope of increased opportunity.

 
Cowboys breakout series: Who could have a breakout season in 2015?

Excerpt:

5B.) Gavin Escobar, TE. The former second-round pick is in a similar spot as Street. They should benefit from the loss of Harris and a healthy Romo. Escobar was targeted only 13 times last year. With the NFL’s rushing champ now in Philadelphia, defenses could go out of their way even more to defend Bryant with two and sometimes three players. Escobar, a very good pass-catcher, could see some additional looks, especially in the redzone. He had four receiving TDs in 2014.
 
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Rotoworld:

Gavin Escobar - TE - Cowboys

ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer doesn't expect an uptick in usage for third-year TE Gavin Escobar.

Jason Witten is an every-down tight end, while James Hanna is a better blocker and special teamer than Escobar. The 47th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Escobar has managed 18 catches through two NFL seasons, though six have resulted in touchdowns. The Cowboys will likely predominately be a three-wide receiver team this season, rather than going heavy on two-tight end packages.

Source: ESPN Dallas

Jul 19 - 3:53 PM
 
Rotoworld:

Gavin Escobar - TE - Cowboys

ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer doesn't expect an uptick in usage for third-year TE Gavin Escobar.Jason Witten is an every-down tight end, while James Hanna is a better blocker and special teamer than Escobar. The 47th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Escobar has managed 18 catches through two NFL seasons, though six have resulted in touchdowns. The Cowboys will likely predominately be a three-wide receiver team this season, rather than going heavy on two-tight end packages.

Source: ESPN Dallas

Jul 19 - 3:53 PM
Only hope is injury or free agency

 
Rotoworld:

Gavin Escobar - TE - Cowboys

Third-year TE Gavin Escobar led the Cowboys with five catches for 47 yards in Thursday’s preseason loss to the Chargers.

Escobar was targeted a game-high seven times with a long of 21 yards. He played most of the game while starter Jason Witten sat out for precautionary reasons. Escobar has only made 18 catches in his two seasons, though Witten’s age and the Cowboys’ increased reliance on the passing game could lead to more involvement for him in 2015.

Aug 14 - 1:04 AM
 
Really on the fence right now whether I keep Escobar as a 3rd TE stash in dynasty. You can only hold out so long. If I do keep him into the season, something is going to need to happen in the first half - either increased opportunities, really good flashes, or a Witten injury. There are still questions about all of his skills other than catching balls, and we don't know whether Dallas ultimately wants someone with his skillset as a primary TE. Other young guys with potentially better situations are always out there on waivers.

 
I hear ya. I've got him stashed as well. He seems to be making strides and the Senator can't play forever. My gut feeling is he"ll contribute more this season, but theres only so many balls to go around. BUT, in his limited looks he's been a redzone monster. I think he had like 9 receptions and 4 TD's last season. Who knows? Maybe we'll see him be more of a receiving target and Senator used as a blocker....which he's still very good at....BUT, Senator is gonna want to keep his stats up for the HOF and Romo is his best pal.....I think Pablo could really blossom on the right team

 
Mr. CIA pointed this out.... but when do the Cowboys free Escobar? He looks good every time they give him a chance, especially in the end zone. Witten is extremely dependable but somewhat creaky and lumbering now. I realize that Linehan and Garrett don't have any history with using 2 TEs but it just seems to me it would be a good idea, they could certainly use him and it seems like his pass catching talents are being wasted.

 
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Rotoworld:

The Cowboys' official site speculates Gavin Escobar could be given a bigger role in the passing game with Dez Bryant (broken foot) sidelined.

Escobar caught both his targets for eight yards and a touchdown against the Giants on Sunday night. Seven of Escobar's 20 career receptions have gone for touchdowns, and he certainly could be a factor in the red zone with Bryant out. Expecting him to get consistent targets is a stretch, however, and he is not worth adding in any leagues.

Source: dallascowboys.com

Sep 14 - 12:26 PM
 
Sunday NFL preview: Escobar, Cameron and Davis could star

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/13695325/keep-eye-gavin-escobar-jordan-cameron-vernon-davis-fantasy-football-sunday-nfl-preview

Excerpt:

Dallas Cowboys: Dez Bryant is one of the best red-zone players in the NFL. He can go over defensive backs. He can go through them. He has hands of glue. The Cowboys will miss him, especially in the tight red zone area. But tight end Gavin Escobar could be a bigger factor down there than some know. With his 6-foot-6 frame and big catch radius, he and Tony Romo have a decent rapport, and Escobar could be a factor with fades or back-shoulder throws in tight. -- Todd Archer
 
I have a few dynasty shares of Escobar and would love for that to be true - but this is so far pure speculation.

 
Mr. CIA pointed this out.... but when do the Cowboys free Escobar? He looks good every time they give him a chance, especially in the end zone. Witten is extremely dependable but somewhat creaky and lumbering now. I realize that Linehan and Garrett don't have any history with using 2 TEs but it just seems to me it would be a good idea, they could certainly use him and it seems like his pass catching talents are being wasted.
The Cowboys have been running 2 TE sets since they drafted Anthony Fasano, and Jason Garrett joined the team the following year in 2007. They drafted Martellus, who was used a lot on two TE sets and then they replaced him with Escobar.

 
In light of his recent torn Achilles injury this will certainly test the patience of of his dynasty owners. I'm holding simply because he will be a free agent in 2017 and I do believe in his talent. He has been blocked by Jason Witten since being drafted. I've held on to him this long I might as well wait until 2017 to see what happens with him. By then either Witten retires or Escobar moves on to another team. Are you letting go? already gave up? Holding?

Rotoworld did some bad reporting on 12/19 giving their opinion " The Cowboys can't be satisfied with Escobar as their tight end of the future".

 
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According to Cowboys.com's Bryan Broaddus, TE Gavin Escobar has made "great strides" in his recovery from last year's Achilles' tear.
Broaddus says Escobar is "further along than I thought" he'd be at this stage of his recovery. A 2013 second-round pick out of San Diego State, Escobar has just 26 receptions through three NFL seasons. If healthy, Escobar will open the season as Dallas' third tight end behind Jason Witten and James Hanna.

 
Source: Bryan Broaddus on Twitter

 
Chiefs signed TE Gavin Escobar to a one-year contract.

A 2013 second round pick, Escobar never developed into more than a No. 3 tight end in Dallas. He has just 30 career receptions. Escobar adds depth behind Travis Kelce and Demetrius Harris.

 
 
 
Mar 31 - 5:04 PM
 
Browns signed TE Gavin Escobar to a reserve/future contract.

A 2013 second-round pick by the Cowboys, Escobar is one of the many tight ends of the future Jason Witten has vanquished. Escobar spent training camp last year with the Chiefs before landing on the Ravens' roster for two games. He is a long-shot to crack the final 53 in Cleveland.

 
Dolphins signed TE Gavin Escobar, formerly of the Browns.

The 47th overall pick in the 2013 draft, Escobar has bounced between the Cowboys, Chiefs, Browns, and now Dolphins over the past two seasons. He has 30 career catches. Escobar will compete for a roster spot in Miami.

Apr 16 - 2:58 PM
 

Former Cowboys TE Gavin Escobar has died in a rock-climbing accident at the age of 31.​

Escobar was "one of two rock climbers found dead on Wednesday near Idyllwild, Calif., according to the Riverside (Calif.) County Coroner." The five-year NFL veteran had just become a firefighter with the Long Beach, California Fire Department earlier this year. An absolute tragedy. Our thoughts are with Escobar's family.
SOURCE: Dallas Morning News
Sep 29, 2022, 10:50 PM ET
 
Just had caught that story. He had started a new career as a firefighter in Long Beach. Leaves behind a wife and two children. Tragic... RIP.
 
Why are we rock climbing again? Especially when you have a family?

It's a terrible situation but one that seemed kind of avoidable.
 
Why are we rock climbing again? Especially when you have a family?

It's a terrible situation but one that seemed kind of avoidable.

I think rock climbing - like a lot of things - is something you cannot comprehend if you're not driven to do it. I live in Utah and see people doing things (more dangerous/risky than rock climbing) all the time that I cannot wrap my brain around. Bridal Veil Falls freezes over every winter and people flock there for ice climbing. "Why would anyone climb something that is going to come crashing to the Earth at some point?" is what I ask myself while I watch them as I am fly fishing in the Provo River below. After a while you just stop questioning it and realize that people are wired differently.

Then there's the school of thought along the lines of "When your number is up... " ... Michael Schumacher survives a life behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car, then nearly loses his life on a ski vacation with his family. I drive to work every day on the highway, even though thousands lose their lives every year in car accidents on the highway.

Guess I'm simply saying that you don't have to have risky hobbies in order to die. Lightning strikes do occur.
 

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