Rapid Reaction: TE James Hanna

April, 28, 2012
4/28/12
3:42
PM CT
IRVING, Texas -- With their sixth-round pick, the Cowboys grabbed tight end James Hanna.

Pros: He's fast and athletic. Hanna ran a 4.46 40 at the combine and displays nimble feet. He shows natural burst in and out of his breaks. He picks up speed at the top end when trying to get away from defenders. Hanna has showed an ability to get better as a player. He weighed 215 pounds as a freshman and is now 252 pounds.

Cons: Hanna has trouble holding on to the ball and is an inconsistent blocker. The Cowboys need a tight end who is a good blocker, after losing Martellus Bennett in free agency. Hanna is a raw as a route runner and struggles at changing directions. Part of this is because he backed up Jermaine Gresham and didn't get snaps in the pass-oriented offense at Oklahoma.

Cowboy fit: Hanna needs to improve his blocking and ability to catch the ball and he's got the perfect coach to help him in John Garrett, the Cowboys' tight ends coach. Garrett pushed Bennett into becoming a better blocker and player and while they clashed, you could tell Bennett improved in certain areas of his game. The Cowboys will use Hanna on a limited basis on offense until he improves on his route running.

Could have had: Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina; David Molk, C, Michigan; Tom Compton, T, South Dakota; James Brown, G, Troy.
Calvin Watkins joined ESPNDallas.com in September 2009. He's covered the Cowboys since 2006 and also has covered colleges, boxing and high school sports.
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2012 draft

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