IRVING, Texas -- Much more is expected of Gavin Escobar in his second NFL season. And with more responsibility comes more stress, right?
Not for the Dallas Cowboys tight end.
"I feel a lot better than last year," Escobar said. "It's great not being a rookie, you got a feel for the offense.
"It's just more enjoyable to be out there, where as last year, everything's new."
Escobar was on the field for 207 plays last season, catching nine passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.
At 6-6, 250 pounds, the second-round pick saw limited playing time because he struggled as a blocker.
"I made the most of my opportunities, I can say that," he said Tuesday. "I definitely would've liked to have been on the field more, but I can't really control that."
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."
