Cowboys: 5 QB Possibilities In NFL Draft

Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Carson Wentz – North Dakota State (Sr. 6’5” 222)

While the previous three quarterbacks profiled here would all be intriguing prospects for the Cowboys in the 2016 NFL Draft, history suggests that even if the Cowboys hold a pick high enough for any of them, they’ll likely pass in favor of another player. As I mentioned at the beginning, Jones simply doesn’t draft quarterbacks.

Having said that, a player like Carson Wentz of North Dakota State could be just what the doctor ordered for the Cowboys.

Wentz suffered a broken right wrist during a game against South Dakota back on October 17, which ended up being the first home loss of the season for the Bisons. While a full recovery is expected, Wentz might see his draft stock fall some due to the fact that he didn’t get a complete senior season of work in.

On the other hand, Wentz has led North Dakota State to an FCS National Championship and has all the intangibles of a starting quarterback. He stands 6’5” and weighs 220 pounds. The combination of height and visibility will keep Wentz on the radar of numerous NFL franchises and with a strong performance in either the East-West Shrine Game or maybe the Senior Bowl, Wentz could pull up that draft stock.

In case you’re wondering if Wentz has played tough enough competition to warrant a starting job in the NFL, it’s a fair question to ask. Winning at the FCS level isn’t exactly the same as doing so in the FBS.

Then again, Romo played his college football at Eastern Illinois, a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. I’d say that becoming the all-time leading passer in Dallas Cowboys history is quite an accomplishment.

In Wentz’s case, the plan wouldn’t be to toss him into the fire in 2016 – remember that there’s a much better chance than not that Romo hangs around with the Cowboys for at least another year or two. During that time frame, Wentz could get acclimated to the Cowboys offensive philosophy and get himself ready for the NFL.

Of course, there’s always the chance that Romo goes down with injury again next season and Wentz might have to play, but the Cowboys could certainly protect themselves by simply keeping a decent backup quarterback like Cassel around to stay in that QB2 slot.

Wentz is a very interesting prospect that could be selected after the first round, which would also allow the Cowboys to fill other needs, like defensive line, with a premium player who could take a starting job right out of the gate.

Draft Position: Round 2-4

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