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The Cowboys haven't brought in anybody to back up Tony Romo. Are they looking to fill that role with Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, despite their public protestations?
Jerry Jones recently proclaimed that the Cowboys would not be taking a quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. But what if he was bluffing?
There's a good reason why the Cowboys should feign public disinterest in a quarterback at No. 4: Cleveland is a virtual lock to take a QB at No.2; the Browns will take either Jared Goff or Carson Werntz, but one of those guy will still be on the board when the No. 3 pick rolls around. If a QB-needy team (49ers, Eagles, Rams, Bears etc.) feels the Cowboys are a threat, they might decide to trade into the No. 3 spot to pick the other QB. leaving the Cowboys without a QB option at the top of the draft.
At the same time, the Cowboys are working out all the top QB prospects (Goff, Wentz, Lynch) in the draft, and have done not a single thing to fix their pitiful backup QB position, the key reason they finished 4-12 last year. So is Jerry's proclamation just an effort to make sure nobody trades up ahead of him and takes away the QB the Cowboys covet? Is Jones, in fact, bluffing?
Here's what some of the latest mock drafts have to say on the topic:
Not falling for the Cowboys' bluff: Rob Rang of CBSSports:
Jared Goff, QB, California:
The Cowboys face a fascinating decision at No. 4 overall. An immediate impact defender like Ohio State's Joey Bosa, UCLA's Myles Jack or Florida State's Jalen Ramsey certainly make sense, as this is a Super Bowl contending team with a healthy Romo and Dez Bryant. Their injuries last year, however, give Jerry Jones a unique opportunity to invest in the club's future. Goff has some of the same attributes which make Romo so effective, including terrific feel in the pocket, toughness and accuracy down the field. Romo, 35, will be entering his 14th season next year. He's missed at least one game each of the past three years, including 12 games in 2015.
Not buying what Jerry Jones is selling: Peter Schrager of Foxsports.
Jared Goff, QB, California:
I'm still going with Goff to the Cowboys. There are multiple players they can take here, with Myles Jack, Joey Bosa, and Jalen Ramsey all worthy of the fourth overall pick. But I still think Jerry Jones knows what's the most important thing in football (besides the owner). And that's the quarterback. The Cowboys got a glimpse of what life without Tony Romo could be like this season, and it wasn't pretty. Goff is a big kid, a wonderful prospect who has all the intangibles, and has all the traits that could make the next great franchise quarterback in Big D. Tony Romo is 36 and coming off multiple surgeries. If Goff has to wait to play, that's OK. He'll be better for it.
Another mocker is unimpressed by what Jerry Jones said: Brett Kollman of Battle Red Blog
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State:
I think Wentz is at least talented enough to give Dallas some immediate wins in an emergency situation, but if he is allowed to develop on the bench for a couple of years, he really could do some special things for this franchise. If I am the Cowboys GM, I am confident in my ability to still get some key pieces in the next few rounds to get us over the hump while my fourth overall pick is used for making sure that we can keep getting over that hump for the next 15 years.
It's like nobody understands Jerry Jones: Will Brinson of CBSSports.
Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State:
Would Dallas be willing to sacrifice a potential impact player for 2016 in order to secure the future? Tony Romo isn't going to play forever.
Remains a QB-Skeptic: Dan Kadar of SB Nation.
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State:
I'm still not on board with the idea of the Cowboys taking a quarterback with the fourth pick. Bosa can make a huge impact on the defense immediately, giving them a nice bookend for DeMarcus Lawrence. Considering Randy Gregory faces a four-game suspension to start the season, Bosa's talent is needed right now. Considering the Cowboys only had 31 sacks last season, they need to figure out how to pressure the quarterback better.
Takes Jerry at his word: Charles Davis of NFL.com
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State:
If we take owner Jerry Jones at his word, a QB will not be drafted here. The DL needs retooling, and Bosa is ideal for the Cowboys and their needs.
Another Jerry-Truther: Dan Turner of NFL Draft Zone
Joey Bosa, DE, Ohio State:
If it were me, I would draft Goff and sure [sic] up the long term future of the franchise. It isn’t me drafting however, and Jerry Jones has himself stated that he expects Romo to play for the next four or five years. It’s time to continue adding defensive linemen like they did offensive linemen, and Bosa is the best in the class at that position. There have been concerns over his upside, but he is only 20 years old so I find it hard to believe that he’s hit his ceiling yet.
Not ruling out a QB, but not picking one either: Adam Kurkjian of Athlon Sports
DeForest Buckner, DE, Oregon
There's always the chance that the Cowboys go with the splash move and pick Tony Romo's successor. However, it would be
tough to pass up the chance to grab a player like Buckner here, especially in the light of the uncertainty around the future of Greg Hardy. The Oregon product would bring a dominant force at that spot without all the red flags.
Over to you: Is Jerry Jones bluffing or not?
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