Jake Ferguson has established himself as one of the Cowboys' most dependable offensive weapons, but one NFL scout believes a recurring flaw continues to limit the Pro Bowl tight end.

In ESPN's annual survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts, Ferguson missed the top 10 tight end rankings. An unnamed NFC scout pointed to his ball security, saying his fumbling has become a weakness opponents look to exploit. 

"He's really solid all around, high catch volume, tough, competes in the run game," as per an anonymous NFC scout, cited via ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "his problem is fumbling. We targeted trying to get the ball loose when we played him." 

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler also noted that Ferguson received an honorable mention despite missing the top 10.

The Cowboys tight end was one of the team's most reliable pass catchers last season, recording 82 catches for 600 yards and eight touchdowns while earning his second Pro Bowl selection. He was also among just eight NFL tight ends to top 100 targets. 

Despite those numbers, ball security remains a concern. Ferguson fumbled three times during the 2025 season after putting the ball on the ground four times the year before. 

Those seven fumbles on 141 receptions over the past two seasons have become a clear concern for opposing defenses.

Ball security has also become a major focus for the Cowboys under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. 

After Dallas finished the 2025 season with a minus-nine turnover differential, Schottenheimer said protecting the football will be one of the team's biggest priorities heading into the new season. 

"You'll see a big emphasis on ball security for us," Schottenheimer said during minicamp, as per Todd Brock of Cowboys Wire. "It disgusts me: minus-nine. It's awful… we've got to take it away on defense." 

With the 2026 season approaching, reducing fumbles could help Ferguson address the anonymous NFC scout's concern. 

Improving ball security will likely be a priority for Ferguson as Dallas prepares for the 2026 season.

How the Cowboys’ tight end group is shaping up for 2026

Jake Ferguson is expected to remain the Cowboys' top tight end in 2026, but Dallas has several players competing for roles behind him.

Chris Amaya of the San Antonio Express-News believes Ferguson remains the clear favorite to lead the Cowboys' tight end group in 2026.

"Should be the undisputed starter at tight end," Amaya wrote.

TE Luke Schoonmaker will enter an important year after Dallas selected him in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Cowboys hoped he could become a vertical threat in the offense, but Amaya noted that development has not happened yet. 

Behind Schoonmaker, Brevyn Spann-Ford is another tight end who could get more opportunities.

Amaya wrote that Spann-Ford has shown his athletic ability in limited chances and could become a big-play option behind Ferguson.

The Cowboys also have younger players like Michael Trigg and DJ Rogers competing for roles. Trigg showed big-play ability at Baylor, while Rogers brings versatility after his time at TCU.

Ferguson is expected to lead the position once again in 2026, but improving his ball security could determine whether he takes the next step into the league's elite tier while anchoring a deeper Cowboys tight end room.

Can Jake Ferguson and the Cowboys' tight ends take the next step in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments. 

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Written by

Divyanshi Raj

Edited by

Rudra Dubey