Because they’re a team with imminent needs that inexplicably decided to take risks on long-term rewards, I was disappointed by the Cowboys’ draft.
Not everyone, of course, agrees. Especially a national writer named Bucky Brooks. At NFL.com, he gave the Cowboys an A-minus grade. But even more drastic, he praised the pick of Dak Prescott.
First, Brooks loved the top picks of Ezekiel Elliott and Jaylon Smith:
Any team that lands a pair of blue-chip prospects with its first two selections in a given draft deserves a high grade. The Cowboys, who nabbed Ezekiel Elliott and Jaylon Smith before the end of Day 2, earned a gold star. Each guy is considered a transcendent talent at his position – and both are also blue-collar workers with the requisite intangibles to step into leadership roles early in their careers.
Nobody doubts the talent and potential of those two players. But maybe Brooks doesn’t realize that owner Jerry Jones tried desperately to select Paxton Lynch and even Connor Cook before settling for Prescott in the 4th round. And maybe he doesn’t realize that the Cowboys have already tabbed Kellen Moore as their No. 2 behind Tony Romo for the 2016 season. Because the way he writes it, Prescott was a shrewd pick that could pay huge dividends:
Dak Prescott could be the franchise quarterback of the future, based on his ruggedly athletic game and superb leadership skills. He will push Kellen Moore for the backup quarterback job while serving as Tony Romo's apprentice.
Prescott a “franchise quarterback”? Sorry, I don’t even think the Cowboys graded themselves as high as some in the media.
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A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
