(Editor's Note: With the NFL Draft fast approaching, DallasCowboys.com is taking a comprehensive look at each position on the roster: free agency additions, departures, and what the draft might hold. Today, we begin the series with quarterback.)
Need Meter (1 lowest, 5 highest): 2
Depth Check: We don't have a Dak Deal yet, but there's really no question who will lead the huddle in 2020 and beyond. The Cowboys have Prescott's rights under the one-year franchise tag and would like to get him signed to a new multi-year contract before the July 15 deadline. Cooper Rush, Prescott's primary backup the last two seasons, is back on a one-year restricted tender. So is Clayton Thorson, who spent last year on the practice squad. If the Cowboys want to create competition for the backup job, they could look to sign a veteran at some point before training camp, though they've gone the developmental route in recent years. (Mike White in 2018 was the last quarterback drafted by Dallas.) With a largely new coaching staff under offensive-minded Mike McCarthy, drafting a potential backup in the later rounds can't be ruled out. But the Cowboys simply have greater roster needs this year, especially considering Prescott's durability. In four seasons he has started all 64 games and missed only 73 snaps, mostly due to rest.
Prospect Preview: This year's class looks loaded at the top with three potential top-10 selections (LSU's Joe Burrow, Alabama's Tua Tagovailoa, Oregon's Justin Herbert) and at least one more who might crack the first round (Utah State's Jordan Love). The Cowboys held a virtual pre-draft interview with former Oklahoma/Alabama starter Jalen Hurts, who took two separate programs to the College Football Playoff. Hurts and Georgia's Jake Fromm have loads of experience in the nation's toughest conferences. Washington's Jacob Eason and Washington State's Anthony Gordon have pro skill sets and put up big numbers as first-year starters last season. All could land on teams somewhere in the early to middle rounds.
Memorable Pick: Sure, Prescott is arguably the team's biggest draft steal this century. But don't forget that Hall of Famer Roger Staubach was a mere 10th-round selection in 1964 before fulfilling his military commitment. "Captain America" debuted for Dallas in 1969 and won his first of two Super Bowls just two seasons later. Well worth the wait.
Series Schedule
- Monday, April 13 – Quarterback
- Tuesday, April 14 – Running Back
- Wednesday, April 15 – Wide Receiver
- Thursday, April 16 – Tight End
- Friday, April 17 – Offensive Line
- Sunday, April 19 – Defensive End
- Monday, April 20 – Defensive Tackle
- Tuesday, April 21 – Linebacker
- Wednesday, April 22 – Cornerback
- Thursday, April 23 – Safety
