As the march to the NFL Draft continues, certain aspects of the class come into focus. Consensus begins to set in and positional groups become increasingly easy to break down. When it comes to the quarterback position, the Dallas Cowboys are not officially set, but most everything points to Dak Prescott leading this team through the next decade.
He’s developed into a top-ten player at his position and kept pace with the best in the sport for the large part of 2019. Unless Dallas somehow manages to tarnish the relationship with their franchise quarterback, they won’t consider a passer at 17. Looking for a backup quarterback is the only scenario that should cross the minds of those in upper management, and even that should not warrant a large investment. However, understanding each position gives way to a better knowledge base for the entire class, and what exactly Dallas should do this spring. [lawrence-related id=638793]
This year’s class has one of the most consensus-driven first overall picks of the decade.
Joe Burrow will ride the wave of his prolific senior season to the No. 1 selection this spring. Behind him, Tua Tagovailoa will rely on his play and preseason hype to overcome doubts about his long-term health. After that comes Justin Herbert and Jordan Love, two strong-armed passers with consistency issues, possessing smaller hives around the league. Still, both are likely to see their names called before the Cowboys pick at 17. Jake Fromm and Jalen Hurts were in the Day-1 conversation for parts of the college football season, but most rational minds have backed off of those trains. The prior two passers are emblematic of the rest of the class, one filled with concerning prospects with dwindling NFL outlooks. As a whole, the class is top-heavy, but the pinnacle doesn’t hold the most trustworthy of prospects either.
Top guy: Joe Burrow, Louisiana State
It could be said Burrow to the Cincinnati Bengals is written in pen, but that may not be permanent enough. Etch it in stone, or in quick-drying cement. Tattoo it on your throwing arm and put the mortgage on it. After an astronomical rise to the most prolific season in college football history, the phenom has all but locked himself into the first-overall selection. For the most part, it is well-deserved.
He was the most accurate passer in college football, his pocket presence transcends logic and even without elite (or significantly above-average) arm strength, he finds a way to make a play seemingly every time. Burrow is a national champion, a Heisman winner and possibly the safest pick seen in over a half-decade. No prospect is perfect, but at the same time, no prospect is Joe Burrow.
Top Guy: Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Nick Saban’s golden boy, the prodigal son of the SEC, the preseason favorite for QB1. Tagovailoa has amassed a myriad of titles during his time at Alabama. He has courted an entire fanbase in South Florida, drawing comparisons to Russell Wilson, or more accurately, Drew Brees. Tagovailoa is cerebral and intangibly ahead of his peers, and has solid arm talent to back that up.
Unequivocally, his season-ending and career-altering hip injury staples a red flag to his name, likely eliminating him from multiple draft boards.
Additionally, the Crimson Tide passer does not come without his weaknesses. For all his progression prowess, Tagovailoa struggles against rotating safeties post-snap and anticipating between high cover 2 zones. If he can ensure enough teams that his health will not be an issue, you’d be hard-pressed to imagine him falling past pick five.
Top Guy: Justin Herbert, Oregon
As polarizing as he is talented, Herbert has drawn his fair share of both praise and criticism in what has been a rather stagnant year. Once dubbed a top quarterback in the class, the argument can be made returning for his senior season was detrimental to his stock, despite winning the PAC-12. Reminiscent of Carson Wentz in his ability to extend plays and reset out of structure, the big-armed, athletic passer may have the highest ceiling of anyone in the class. His inconsistent play, in part due to inconceivably poor play calling, is emblematic of his considerably low floor. Wavering decision making and touch result in a prospect some are scared of but is generally more pro-ready than he is given credit for.
Starting the decade with a QB eval that may go against the grain of public opinion? I'd say that's starting the decade off right. Justin Herbert. 2020. Let's have some fun. https://t.co/9XNWjTVEWc
— Anthony Licciardi (@ALiccNFL) January 1, 2020
Continue for a glimpse of QBs who the Cowboys may actually select…