(Editor's Note: Throughout the off-season, DallasCowboys.com staff writers will take a closer look at the roster, analyzing more than 50 players on their impact last season and just how they fit into the team's 2009 plans. Today's featured player is Cowboys tight end Martellus Bennett.)

Name: Martellus Bennett
Position: Tight End
Height/Weight: 6-6, 265
Experience: One season
College: Texas A&M

Key stat: Bennett joined Bob Hayes (1965) and Antonio Bryant (2002) as the only rookies in Cowboys history to catch touchdown passes in three straight games.

Contract Status: Signed through 2011 season.

2008 Impact: After feeling his way through the early part of his rookie season, Bennett started catching on - literally - by mid-season. After recording just three receptions in his first six games, Bennett became a bigger part of the offense, recording 17 grabs in the last 10 contests. He also had a three-game touchdown streak, which began in Washington, where he scored the game-winning touchdown on a 25-yard reception that showed his leaping ability when he outfought a Redskins defender in the end zone. While Bennett provided some big-play ability at tight end with his 14.2 yards-per-catch average, he turned out to be a better than average blocker as well.

Where He Fits: Bennett won't be challenging Witten for the starting job this year, or anytime soon. But as he proved last year, the No. 2 tight end position still has plenty of value. The Cowboys might even call on him more now with Terrell Owens gone. Although his athleticism sets him apart from other tight ends, Bennett's blocking is also a strong part of his game. And his ability to play on special teams makes him a valuable commodity in two phases of the game, not to mention a solid insurance policy for Witten.

Writers Analysis:

Nick Eatman: Much has been made of Bennett's laid-back attitude or his "bad body language" as we heard so often on the HBO "Hard Knocks" series and, of course, his rap video that made its way to YouTube. But at the end of the day, Martellus Bennett has worlds of talent and he showed it last season. As he continues to mature and improve, Bennett just might develop from a role player to a real offensive weapon.

Mickey Spagnola: Here are the two numbers that really stick out about Bennett's rookie season and give hope for bigger and better things to come this year. The tight end averaged 14.2 yards per catch, and OK, it was only 20 catches, but that ranked third on the team behind Terrell Owens (15.2) and Miles Austin (21.4). Also, Bennett finished with four touchdowns, tied with Jason Witten and Patrick Crayton for second on the club behind Owens (10), meaning he scored a touchdown on every fifth catch. So to me, the Cowboys likely will be able to expand his role in the offense, especially if he continues to make strides as a blocker. Just another option to help offset the absence of Owens.

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