DMN: Tony Romo’s replacement? 10 QBs Cowboys could consider in this year’s draft

[jobberone]

Tony Romo’s replacement? 10 QBs Cowboys could consider in this year’s draft
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Jon Machota Email jmachota@***BANNED-URL***
Published: March 23, 2015 10:00 pm
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Bryce Petty throws between blocking obstacles during drills at Baylor’s NFL football Pro Day in Waco, Texas, Wednesday March 18, 2015. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Considering Tony Romo’s age — he’ll be 35 in April — and his history of back problems, the Cowboys need to identify his eventual successor. Brandon Weeden and Dustin Vaughan are the next two in line on the team’s current roster.

But should they draft a player to groom over the next couple seasons?

The problem is this draft doesn’t appear to have anywhere near the depth of last year’s class at the position. Heisman Trophy winners Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota will likely be long gone by the time the Cowboys are on the clock. Of the prospects remaining, there’s no guarantee they’ll be any better than Weeden or Vaughan.

However, we’re not going to completely write off the position, so here are 10 names to keep on your radar.

1.) Bryce Petty, Baylor. The 6-3, 230-pounder threw for 3,855 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2014. Petty was even better in 2013, totaling 4,200 yards, 32 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Expert’s take: “NFL evaluators felt like Petty’s senior season was disappointing, but those same evaluators love his size, leadership and intangibles. He needs a year or two of practice time and camp work to learn how to get through his progressions, but has the intelligence to do that. Petty must have a structured offense that won’t ask him to make plays outside of the pocket.” – Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

2.) Brett Hundley, UCLA. In three seasons as a starter, Hundley (6-3, 227) threw for roughly 10,000 yards with 75 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

Expert’s take: “Once viewed as a potential high first-round pick early in his UCLA career, Hundley’s limited growth and substantial pocket issues as a senior have lead to a host of concerns for evaluators, and it’s unclear if his potential will ever be reached, as it hasn’t during his three-year starter career at UCLA. Still, he’ll be in the mix for a top-50 pick due to the lackluster quarterback class and his tempting upside.” — Eric Galko, Optimum Scouting

3.) Garrett Grayson, Colorado State. Grayson (6-2, 220) averaged 3,800 yards, 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions over the last two seasons.

Expert’s take: “Grayson is an intriguing prospect. I liked the way he handled himself at the senior bowl practices. He showed he had the intangibles to lead. From what I have seen, it wouldn’t surprise me if a team drafted Grayson in the first round, but I would feel more comfortable taking him in the second.” — Greg Gabriel, National Football Post

4.) Sean Mannion, Oregon State. Mannion (6-6, 229) threw for 13,600 yards, 83 touchdowns and 54 interceptions in four seasons.

Expert’s take: “Mannion, at least he’s schooled in NFL stuff, (but) he’s got to be quicker in everything he does; the drop steps, delivery, getting out from under center. I think he can do all that, he’s a smart, sharp kid. I really like him. … He looks a lot like Mike Glennon from a few years ago.” — Charles Davis, NFL.com

5.) Shane Carden, ECU. In three seasons, the 6-2, 220-pounder averaged 4,000 yards, 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Expert’s take: “Has NFL size and NFL intangibles but might not possess the necessary physical traits to project into a starter’s role in the NFL. His competitiveness, intelligence and production will matter more to teams that are less reliant on traits-based quarterbacks. Might be looking at a career as a quality backup.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

The next 5:

Bryan Bennett, Southeastern Louisiana.

Brandon Bridge, South Alabama.

Cody Fajardo, Nevada.

Connor Halliday, Washington State.

Jerry Lovelocke, Prairie View A&M.

Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota

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• With Tony Romo out, meet new Cowboys backup quarterback Dustin Vaughan

 

[jobberone]

Thought I'd leave this in the Fan Zone for a time since there will be talk of Tony in the thread. It can be moved as you see fit.

I wouldn't draft another QB this year UNLESS I could bet someone after day two whom I thought could really learn under Tony and the rest and maybe be the guy down the road. On the other side of that coin is the fact I think Tony will play at a high level for 4-5 years. They may think it better to wait another year or three to draft a QB.

What ya think? How long will Tony play well? Can he beat the 38 year old blues?

 

[Doomsday101]

I like Brice Petty in the 3rd outside of that not a strong QB class. In my view when Dallas goes to replace Romo they likely will have to make a move in which they give up a 1st rd pick to move up to get the franchise type QB they hope to get

 

[jobberone]

I like Brice Petty in the 3rd outside of that not a strong QB class. In my view when Dallas goes to replace Romo they likely will have to make a move in which they give up a 1st rd pick to move up to get the franchise type QB they hope to get

That's kinda my idea. However unless it is just an unusually deep class then you have to move into the top part of the round.

 

[Doomsday101]

That's kinda my idea. However unless it is just an unusually deep class then you have to move into the top part of the round.

Agree. This particular draft the QB just is not overwhelming.

 

[pancakeman]

I think Romo is nearer to retiring than that, but maybe I'm just a pessimist.
If the QB is BPA when the Cowboys are on the clock, this year I'd probably still try to trade the pick; but starting next year surely not.

 

[ShiningStar]

oh Tony should qb til hes 38 and more, because its not like hes got back problems, or any other problems. so id do like the cowboys and bank on that lotto ticket of paying out. For the ret of us, scrap Weeden and see if Dustin has what it takes to either be the next qb or pro back up and have a comfortable career, but i dont see anything promising in this draft.

 

[RandyOh]

Brandon bridge as 2 or 3 year project. Elite arm strength.

 

[jobberone]

oh Tony should qb til hes 38 and more, because its not like hes got back problems, or any other problems. so id do like the cowboys and bank on that lotto ticket of paying out. For the ret of us, scrap Weeden and see if Dustin has what it takes to either be the next qb or pro back up and have a comfortable career, but i dont see anything promising in this draft.

We're all familiar with this back problem that created so much difficulty he lost 4 games because of it. Do you know the history of his particular back problem resulting in early retirement for QBs in the NFL?

 

[PJTHEDOORS]

No way Boys use picks 1st round to 5th round on a qb. 7th, maybe. They like Weeden and Vaughn. Unless they think Vaughn is ready to be the #2 behind Romo, and need another qb to replace Weeden. Then yes. Use a higher draft pick if warranted.

 

[ShiningStar]

We're all familiar with this back problem that created so much difficulty he lost 4 games because of it. Do you know the history of his particular back problem resulting in early retirement for QBs in the NFL?

yup, takes one hit to end his career, and his recovery will be longer than a younger person. In fact wasnt the Washington game so close in what could have been more of a distaster that bringing Tony back into the game was useless? But thanks for the info.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

I like Brice Petty in the 3rd outside of that not a strong QB class. In my view when Dallas goes to replace Romo they likely will have to make a move in which they give up a 1st rd pick to move up to get the franchise type QB they hope to get

I'm not a fan of that at all. Teams are finding quarterbacks all over the drafts. Kap was a 2nd round pick. Andy Dalton....as inconsistent as he is was decent value in the 2nd round. Russ was a 4th rounder if i'm not mistaken. Meanwhile Matt Stafford, Sam Bradford, RGIII, Jamarcus Russell, Alex Smith etc. were all 1st or 2nd overall picks.

I believe a franchise that trades a grip of high value draft picks like 3 are setting their franchise back a few years and that's IF the quarterback pans out. IF it doesn't....you could be setting yourself back even further.

 

[Idgit]

Do not want. The only guy on that list that intrigues me for Dallas is Grayson. I'd just as soon stick with Vaughan as most of those project players, myself.

When we invest in a QB, it's going to have to be a high pick. And then it ought to be a guy we think can already play in an NFL offense who just needs to work on learning the system and making good decisions at this level.

 

[ShiningStar]

Do not want. The only guy on that list that intrigues me for Dallas is Grayson. I'd just as soon stick with Vaughan as most of those project players, myself.

When we invest in a QB, it's going to have to be a high pick. And then it ought to be a guy we think can already play in an NFL offense who just needs to work on learning the system and making good decisions at this level.

that sounds all well and good, a better plan than the other teams who want the guy who cant play at any level, or have good decisions. But for the rest of us, who do you garauntee is that pick in any draft?

 

[texbumthelife]

Remember how we got the guy we are talking about replacing? I think there is a strong chance Romo's successor is not a high round draft pick.

 

[USMarineVet]

I'm in the you have to draft a QB in the first round crew. I wouldn't touch the position this year but I'd love to find a way to jump up the draft board next year if there's a strong candidate.

 

[Doomsday101]

I'm not a fan of that at all. Teams are finding quarterbacks all over the drafts. Kap was a 2nd round pick. Andy Dalton....as inconsistent as he is was decent value in the 2nd round. Russ was a 4th rounder if i'm not mistaken. Meanwhile Matt Stafford, Sam Bradford, RGIII, Jamarcus Russell, Alex Smith etc. were all 1st or 2nd overall picks.

I believe a franchise that trades a grip of high value draft picks like 3 are setting their franchise back a few years and that's IF the quarterback pans out. IF it doesn't....you could be setting yourself back even further.

I think it depends on the QB, I think there are some who have been more of a sure thing than others. I had no doubts with QB's like Aikman, Peyton, Luck and as well as some others who have and are still showing they are worth giving up picks to get them. Right now if I could have Luck and knew I would have to give up 2 1st rd picks to get him I would. Granted Cowboys would have to feel very strong about that QB before making that move

 

[ShiningStar]

Remember how we got the guy we are talking about replacing? I think there is a strong chance Romo's successor is not a high round draft pick.

tahts the problem, i dont want to do that again, plus he fits nothing of what you most peopel around here thinks you have to have to be a good qb in the nfl. I loved ROmo before many, but that post Aikman to Romo was a long time coming. Im not waiting til we have a broke romo to say "uh oh, time for that qb now"

 

[yimyammer]

4.) Sean Mannion, Oregon State. Mannion (6-6, 229) threw for 13,600 yards, 83 touchdowns and 54 interceptions in four seasons.

Expert’s take: “Mannion, at least he’s schooled in NFL stuff, (but) he’s got to be quicker in everything he does; the drop steps, delivery, getting out from under center. I think he can do all that, he’s a smart, sharp kid. I really like him. … He looks a lot like Mike Glennon from a few years ago.” — Charles Davis, NFL.com

anyone know anything about this guy? Intriguing stats with lots of playing time under his belt, 6'-6" as well.

 

[Idgit]

that sounds all well and good, a better plan than the other teams who want the guy who cant play at any level, or have good decisions. But for the rest of us, who do you garauntee is that pick in any draft?

Lots of teams draft guys to develop who have little or no experience reading NFL style defenses.

Heck, look at #1 on the list from the OP. Bryce Petty's the product of a one-read offense in Baylor which isn't going to translate to the NFL at all. Right now, we've got two players in Weeden/Vaughan who play in either spread offenses or college offenses that only required reading half the field.

Until we replace Romo, I want one guy in that QB3 offense who's got the tools but is learning how to read NFL style defenses. The QB2 needs to be a guy with all the tools and experience in college in a pro style offense who can read a defense. I want that to be a young player who has a chance to develop into a starter rather than a vet with experience to hold the fort. Chances of hitting on a replacement are better if you're developing two players at once, so that's the route I'd prefer to go. But it rules out a lot of guys you'd otherwise consider on the OPs list.

Oh, and I'm obviously not guaranteeing anybody for the rest of you. You'll have to make your own best guess as to which guys are most likely to fit the bill.