Cowboys eye quarterback in upcoming draft, team exec says

The Dallas Cowboys’ Plan to Bolster Quarterback Depth in the Upcoming NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the NFL Draft with a clear focus on strengthening their quarterback depth, as revealed by Executive Vice President Stephen Jones during the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Jones emphasized the importance of developing a young quarterback to support Dak Prescott, who has been instrumental in the team’s success but has faced significant injury challenges over the past five seasons. Prescott’s health has been a defining factor in the Cowboys’ performance, with the team securing at least 12 wins in each season from 2021 to 2023 when he was on the field. However, his absences have exposed a glaring weakness in the team’s backup quarterback options, prompting the organization to prioritize addressing this issue in the upcoming draft.

Jones acknowledged the unpredictability of quarterback drafting, noting that even prospects initially considered for lower rounds often end up being selected much earlier. This reality highlights the challenges the Cowboys may face in securing a talented young quarterback. "I think one of our goals is to get a young quarterback in the draft," Jones stated. "I don’t know where that’s going to be. That’s why we gave a (fourth-round pick) for Trey. It seems like all the quarterbacks, even guys we have in the fourth round, go in the first. They always go so much higher than what you think," he added. This sentiment reflects the Cowboys’ awareness of the competitive nature of quarterback drafting and their determination to find the right player to bolster their depth.

The Current State of the Cowboys’ Quarterback Depth

The Cowboys’ recent history of backup quarterback struggles has been well-documented. Players like Cooper Rush, Trey Lance, and Andy Dalton have been called upon to fill in for Prescott, but none have proven to be reliable long-term solutions. Rush, who signed with the Cowboys in 2017, has served as the primary backup for most of his career in Dallas. While he has shown moments of promise, he has not demonstrated the consistency needed to lead the team to victories in Prescott’s absence. Lance, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers before the 2023 season, saw limited playing time and failed to make a significant impact. Dalton, who joined the Cowboys in 2020, was expected to provide veteran stability but ultimately did not live up to expectations.

This lack of depth has left the Cowboys vulnerable during Prescott’s injuries, which have occurred with concerning frequency. Over the past five seasons, Prescott has suffered two devastating injuries that sidelined him for significant stretches. While the team has managed to remain competitive during his healthier seasons, the absence of a capable backup has hindered their ability to sustain success when he is out. This inconsistency has underscored the need for a more sustainable solution at the quarterback position.

The Challenges of Finding a Reliable Backup

The Cowboys’ struggles with backup quarterbacks have been compounded by the unpredictability of the NFL Draft. As Jones noted, quarterback prospects often rise up draft boards unexpectedly, making it difficult for teams to anticipate where players will land. This volatility has made it challenging for the Cowboys to pinpoint the exact spot where they might find a future franchise quarterback. The team’s decision to trade a fourth-round pick for Trey Lance before the 2023 season is a prime example of this challenge. Despite the investment, Lance saw minimal action and did not develop into the contingency plan the Cowboys had hoped for.

Jones’ comments also highlight the broader challenge of evaluating quarterback talent. While some players may project as mid-round picks, their stock often soars as draft day approaches, leaving teams like the Cowboys to adjust their strategies. This dynamic underscores the importance of thorough scouting and flexibility in the draft process. The Cowboys will need to balance their desire for a young quarterback with the realities of the draft, where the best players at the position are often snagged in the first round.

The 2024 NFL Draft: A Deep Class of Quarterbacks

The 2024 NFL Draft is expected to feature a talented group of quarterback prospects, giving the Cowboys a prime opportunity to address their depth concerns. Early projections suggest that players like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward could be among the first six picks, highlighting their potential as immediate contributors. However, the Cowboys may not need to reach for a quarterback in the early rounds, as a number of promising prospects could fall within their range later in the draft.

Players like Jalen Milroe, Kyle McCord, Jaxson Dart, Quinn Ewers, and Riley Leonard are among the quarterbacks who could be available for the Cowboys. Each of these prospects brings a unique skill set and varying levels of college football experience. For example, Milroe, a standout at Alabama, has shown flashes of brilliance with his arm strength and athleticism, while McCord, a former Ohio State recruit, has the potential to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback with proper coaching. Dart, who played for both USC and Ole Miss, offers a mix of Pocket presence and mobility that could make him an attractive option for the Cowboys.

Ewers, a highly touted prospect out of high school, has had a more uneven college career but still possesses the raw talent that made him one of the most sought-after recruits in recent memory. Leonard, meanwhile, has flown under the radar despite putting up impressive numbers at Auburn. These players, along with others in the draft, represent the diverse range of quarterback talent available to the Cowboys this year.

The Cowboys’ Strategy for Addressing Quarterback Depth

As the Cowboys prepare for the draft, they will need to decide whether to invest an early pick in a quarterback or wait for a later-round prospect to develop. Jones’ comments suggest that the team is open to both possibilities, recognizing that the quarterback position is one of the most critical areas to address in the draft. While the Cowboys may not need to reach for a quarterback in the first round, they will need to thoroughly evaluate the available talent and determine which player aligns best with their long-term vision.

The Cowboys’ approach to the draft will also be influenced by their current roster and the needs of their offense. With Prescott firmly entrenched as the starter, the team can afford to select a quarterback who needs time to develop rather than someone who must contribute immediately. This luxury allows the Cowboys to focus on finding a player with the highest upside, even if they may not be ready to step into a starting role right away.

The Future Outlook: Building a Sustainable Foundation

The Cowboys’ decision to prioritize quarterback depth in the 2024 NFL Draft is a step toward building a more sustainable foundation for the future. While Dak Prescott remains the face of the franchise, the team cannot afford to remain vulnerable at the most important position in football. By investing in a young quarterback, the Cowboys can create a pipeline of talent that will serve them well in the years to come.

The upcoming draft offers the Cowboys a unique opportunity to address this need, with a deep and talented class of quarterback prospects available. Whether they opt for a high-round pick or a developmental prospect later in the draft, the focus will be on finding a player who can grow into a reliable backup and potentially a future starter. This strategic approach reflects the Cowboys’ commitment to building a well-rounded roster that can compete for championships both now and in the future.

In conclusion, the Dallas Cowboys are taking a proactive approach to addressing their quarterback depth in the 2024 NFL Draft. With Dak Prescott’s health remaining a concern, the organization recognizes the importance of developing a young quarterback to provide stability at the position. The depth of this year’s draft class gives the Cowboys a chance to find the right player to bolster their roster, ensuring that they are better equipped to handle the challenges of the NFL season ahead.