The most important part of free agency is behind us. Dallas did a great job in that period, but now comes the instance on which he usually bases his roster construction. In this series we’ll look at some prospects who could help the Cowboys at each position. Today: quarterbacks.
The Cowboys’ 2022 season was largely defined by the level of their quarterback as is the case with all NFL teams. However, in the case of Dallas, this outcome was clearly adverse compared to the high expectations that existed. Dak Prescott’s inconsistent performance was something that hurt the offense a lot.
Prescott led the league with 15 interceptions despite missing five games with injury. Having tied with Davis Mills from a disastrous franchise like the Houston Texans in that category marks how terrible that number is. It is true that there were several picks in which the receiver was the reason for rebounding the ball, but most were his responsibility.
The bad readings caused him to make mistakes such as the giveaway score against the Washington Commanders. The main reason the Cowboys lost to the 49ers in San Francisco was their two interceptions. Those two exchanges of possession when points were almost assured proved to be the destabilizing factor in a very close loss.
Kendall Fuller to the house! @Commanders pick-6!
????: #DALvsWAS on FOX
????: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/2tZrKMRiWu pic.twitter.com/J6tViHt5SC— NFL (@NFL) January 8, 2023
The truth is that the franchise is committed to its continuity despite its mistakes. Regardless of whether or not there is a desire to go for another quarterback, his contract is impossible to move at present. It is truly unrealistic to believe that it is possible to make an exchange because financially it could not be carried out. Especially for its recent restructuring.
The prospects listed below are therefore youngsters with the potential to be low-cost substitutes. Management managed to keep Cooper Rush on a fairly small salary compared to what he contributed every time he was called up. Although it never hurts to look at quarterbacks who could have a role in the future.
Stetson Bennett – Georgia – 25 years
Bennett is a player who to many may be somewhat surprised is not considered among the best quarterbacks in the current class despite leading the Georgia Bulldogs to two straight titles. However, a lot of it has to do with his age reminding him that he will turn 26 during his rookie season.
For that reason, his potential to grow is more limited than in the case of other young prospects. But also his wealth of experience means he’s more prepared to contribute early in his career. In the Cowboys’ case, he would obviously be a backup, but he could be an interesting option late in the draft.
Bennett is capable of throwing early, has mobility in the pocket to avoid sacks, and processes different progressions on the play well when a receiver is covered. The quarterback in turn can gain yardage with his legs if he needs to. A sporting factor that harms him is his inferior physique of 1.80m and 87 kg.
Stetson Bennett highlights vs TCU #NationalChampionship pic.twitter.com/OSWiJwXxo2
— SPEEDYEAGLE2.25 (@Sonic47864084) January 10, 2023
Max Duggan – TCU – 22 years old
Duggan was Bennett’s opposing quarterback in the final of the College Football Playoffs. There was a beating from the Bulldogs there, although the level he showed throughout the season was fantastic. His ceiling is also a little low in part because he doesn’t have as powerful an arm on deep throws and a lot of the time he looks too much at the receiver he’s going to throw the ball to. His physical build is not ideal either, measuring 1.87m and weighing 94kg.
But the quarterback has several attributes that could make him a valuable late pick. He can read the development of what happens after the snap well to choose the best option, has good mobility to extend plays and is able to improvise in actions outside the script. Intangible traits may be his standout feature, having shown strength and good leadership to take his team further than expected.
Aidan O’Connell – Purdue – 24 years
O’Connell appears as a prospect with an advantage over the previous ones. One element where he outperforms them is that he is a more prototypical size for the position at 6’3″ and 200lbs. The quarterback appears as someone to watch for fans because the Cowboys already had a workout with him, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He would be a third-day pick with the potential to be a backup due to the limitations he demonstrated.
The quarterback presents a style that could be of interest to Dallas because it resembles that of Rush. O’Connell is primarily a pocket passer who has poor mobility and isn’t as good at deep balls. However, Prescott’s current backup QB proved invaluable with his smarts. This youngster has the ability to be efficient looking for midfield, makes good decisions by not risking the ball unnecessarily and knows when to get rid of the ball to avoid sacks.
