Spann-Ford has come into camp with a chance to establish himself in the offense, and it appears he's done just that.
Every training camp, there are some position battles that we follow closely, and for the Dallas Cowboys, the backup tight end role is one that is interesting.
Brevyn Spann-Ford already looked to be in good shape to usurp Luke Schoonmaker in camp as Jake Ferguson's backup, and after a couple of practices in Oxnard, he's well on the way.
With Spann-Ford already making some plays with Joe Milton at quarterback, he is also developing chemistry with Dak Prescott during drills. Brevyn appears set to play a big role in Brian Schottenheimer's offense.
We know that due to his hulking 6-7, 270-pound, he can be a serious target in the passing game, but what Schottenheimer likes in Spann-Ford is his toughness.
“Be remiss if you didn't mention Brevin's play style,” Schottenheimer said. “One, the physicality that he plays with, the wiring that he has, tough physical football player that loves the physical aspect of the game. Can be dominant in the run game and protection phase."
But we know that to be part of the Cowboys' offense, you have to produce in the passing game, and while Spann-Ford had a lot of room for improvement in that area last year, it is clear he's gone to work on it this offseason.
Granted, it isn't always going to be smooth sailing, but when the ball comes into his area, he's got to come down with it.
And for Schottenheimer, that is one area he has noticed Spann-Ford has made the biggest strides this offseason.
"What he's developing from a pass receiving standpoint at the top of the route, the tight turns, the power cuts, that's where I've noticed the biggest gain," Schotty added.
"He's a big target. You got a guy working the middle of the field, and he's actually a lot better run-after-catch guy than you think. So as he continues to stack and improve that area of his game, just adds so much value to our tight end room.”
So, Schottenheimer seems to be all-in on Spann-Ford and his improvement, and where that leaves Schoonmaker, well, I think you already know -- in a tough spot.
We thought Spann-Ford had a great chance to overtake Schoonmaker before OTAs, and after a couple of practices in Oxnard, it now seems like a formality.
