Couple of years ago Cowboys fans were screaming for Jerry Jones to grab Johnny Manziel, their projected quarterback of the future. And now – with the 4th overall pick – that same gaggle of impatient supporters wants Jones to grab a different player, but also their next quarterback of the future.
Sorry. Shouldn’t happen. Ain’t happening.
Right, Jerry?
“I would say that we are not pointing toward the quarterback position,” Jones said Tuesday at the NFL’s owner meetings in Boca Raton, Florida. “I wouldn't want to rule it out and sound like I’m hedging. But like I said early if we got an opportunity to really get the best player, it’s not that there is not a need for us for a young future quarterback. But what I did say is the future will be made with the idea in mind that Romo is going to be the quarterback for four or five years. That begs a lot of consideration in terms of what should you be doing with draft picks as opposed to a backup quarterback.”
Translation: Tony Romo will be the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2020, so why spend (waste) a high draft pick now on a quarterback like Carson Wentz who won’t play until later? Much, much later?
Think of the Cowboys as a car. The tires have lots of tread left, enough to keep you driving smoothly for a year. But the windshield wipers are old, shredded and smeary, causing blurred vision that severely impairs your ability to drive. Given a gift card to the auto store, you gonna buy a new tire? Or a new pair of wipers?
Exactly.
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The Cowboys have – albeit economically – addressed some of their needs via free agency, signing a linebacker, defensive tackle, cornerback, two running backs, defensive end, tight end and potentially a cornerback. But to me nothing has changed. Drafting a pass-rusher should be the top pick, regardless if there is player ranked ahead of him on Dallas’ draft board.
Sometimes the best fit trumps the best player. This year is one of those times.
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.
