While the NFC East hopelessly won’t let the Dallas Cowboys die peacefully, we here at Inside The Star must prepare fans for the best case scenario (an improbable playoff berth after winning the division) while simultaneously preparing you for what expects to be a long offseason.
To do so, I gave you my five upcoming free agents that really need the team’s remaining five games.
Ryan Ratty has also been pointing out some potential draft targets for the Cowboys, which covers a number of positions:
- Dallas Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft Target: DB Jalen Ramsey
- Dallas Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft Target: QB Paxton Lynch
- Dallas Cowboys 2016 NFL Draft Target: WR Laquon Treadwell
Of course, to get a better feel for the draft and who may end up on the Cowboys radar, we need to know the general area that their pick will come up on the clock.
If the season ended today, the Cowboys would have the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
The two-win Titans and Browns own the top two spots, respectively, followed by the 3-8 Chargers and 3-8 Cowboys.
With only one of the top three teams in clear need of a quarterback (Cleveland), this pick could feasibly be used on the future signal-caller for the Cowboys – to sit behind Romo for the remainder of his time in Dallas.
It is too early in the process to take any draft rumors seriously, but the Browns reportedly have some interest in Memphis QB Paxton Lynch. If this all falls into place, and Lynch goes to the Browns, it would leave Jared Goff as the next most likely quarterback to be drafted.
Goff, out of California, has drawn some comparisons to Romo in his ability to extend plays – so it may be a good fit for Scott Linehan’s offense.
Historically, the Cowboys have only picked with the fourth overall selection one time and selected defensive tackle Scott Appleton in 1964 – who was immediately traded to the Steelers.
The last time the Cowboys selected in the top five, they picked defensive back Terence Newman in 2003 with the fifth overall pick.
Goff remind me of a taller version of Romo
Yeah, that’s what I’ve been hearing, too. Truth be told, I’m not all that happy to be facing the prospect of drafting a QB right now. The 2016 QB draft class just seems so weak, but still time yet I guess.
Well, you never want to take a QB “just because”. I’m not sold on Goff despite the Romo comparisons. Really think Cal QBs are a product of that system, with Aaron Rodgers not exactly being an exception to the rule. The Packers just run a similar system and he can make all the throws. But this is about getting the right signal caller, not just someone that sets us up for failure down the line.
If it’s a weak QB class then we should look for a developmental project later in the Draft. Believe me, I want an eventual replacement for Romo taken in this Draft also but if there’s no top talent available then we need to use that high 1st Rounder on a different position. For me, improving our defense is still a top priority. I think Jones has the ability and talent to be an outstanding FS. We badly need a franchise RB but they haven’t been going high in the draft like they used to. But if there’s a dominant RB on the board, take him! No matter who they pick, he has to be talented enough to start unless, of course, he’s a QB.
As you said, James, RBs aren’t going high in the draft like they used to so we can use a 2nd on that pick. As far as QB I wasn’t just referring to this class. QBs that can perform at the NFL level are becoming less and less common because of the systems more colleges are running. We need a developmental QB out of this draft and waiting until rounds 2 and 3 only increase the likelihood of a drafting a bust.
I trust Will McClay and the rest of the front office will make a sound choice. They’ve been doing a hell of a job scouting picks. I just don’t want to try for another Tony Romo – undrafted or late round pick that pulled off a miracle to become an elite starting QB. We need top-tier talent first, then we can talk about grooming.
I don’t know about you guys, but speaking of running backs, I would LOVE to get Henry from Alabama on the Boys!