So the Cowboys are committed to drafting a QB, according to Jerry. In fact, he said they should be drafting one every year.
I agree with that sentiment. QB is the most important position on the field, and it’s hard to find good ones - even backups capable of winning a few games. Throwing a pick at one that you believe has some sort of potential - maybe it’s their arm talent, maybe they display good pocket presence, maybe they can read defenses better than other college QBs… is not a bad idea.
Statistically, the best way to find a starting caliber QB is to draft one high in the first round. Of course, we’re not going to do that. I personally don’t think this team would even take one in the 2nd, unless a top-5 QB prospect fell for some reason.
So let’s say it’s the 2nd or 3rd round or later. The team is warming up to taking a QB. Young, Stroud Levis, and maybe some of the other top guys are gone.
Who do you want? Who will the team realistically pick?
There are several prospects I like and think the team could realistically target. I’m no NFL scout, but here’s what I see after watching some games -
Jaren Hall has all the arm talent you could ask for. He can make any throw. He has a snappy release and can make impressive, accurate passes with the flick of a wrist. He’s a former basketball player, and it shows. He seems like a smart QB that makes quick decisions. He’s not a “dual threat” QB, but has plenty of athleticism and speed that defenses have to respect.
He is also 6’1, will be 25 by the time the draft rolls around, has been hurt and missed time, and doesn’t display the world’s greatest pocket presence.
Max Duggan is the one the team reportedly likes. He’s a tough “gamer” style QB. He’s a good athlete. He possess a decent but not elite arm; it’s good enough to make most NFL throws though. He is a good rusher and teams have to account for that on defense.
His mechanics are not great. His accuracy is inconsistent. He occasionally stares guys down. He holds the ball too long sometimes. His ability to read defenses is a tick slower than you want. Can these issues be coached away? Or will mechanics and accuracy limit his ceiling?
Hendon Hooker has a great arm. He throws a nice ball with touch. He leads receivers on intermediate throws. He has the arm strength necessary to make all the NFL throws - an “elastic” arm that he uses to drop balls over defenders from different angles. A good runner, a good athlete, and possesses the size (6’4, 218 lbs) you like to see in a QB. He has good pocket presence, and the athleticism/slipperiness to slip out of tacklers and extend plays.
The system he was in however ran a ton of RPO and one-read plays. Scripted throws. He stares down receivers on occasion, and is a bit late with anticipation on occasion. By most scouting reports, he’s a high 2nd round pick type of guy - the team would likely have to trade up if they wanted him. He’s another older prospect like Hall - already 25 years old, and suffered and ACL tear.
Which QBs do you like in the upcoming draft? Which QB could you envision the Cowboys targeting?
