If the Cowboys decide to move on from Dak Prescott next year, here are some options

If the Cowboys decide to move on from Dak Prescott next year, here are some options the Cowboys could groom for the future.

Michael Penix Jr., Washington

Depending on whom you ask, Michael Penix Jr. will hear his name called anywhere between the middle of the first round and midway through Day 2 of the draft. From the Cowboys’ perspective, the 23-year-old should be a second-to-third-round target. He had a stout offensive line at Washington, with tackles Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten also headed to the pros as potential early-round picks.

Because of Penix’s injury history—two right ACL tears and a couple of notable shoulder issues—the Cowboys would have to prioritize their needs along the offensive line if they select him. He has the deep-ball accuracy to maximize Brandin Cooks’ downfield speed and CeeDee Lamb’s ball-tracking skills, though the Cowboys shouldn’t put the burden of carrying the offense on his arm.

Penix needs to adjust his one-speed fastball throwing tendencies from the pocket to help himself with easier underneath completions in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Nonetheless, like Nix, Penix has extensive collegiate starting experience that should help ease his transition to the pro level within a year.

Michael Pratt, Tulane

The Cowboys may not feel the urge to draft a quarterback within the first two rounds, and Nix and Penix may not be available in the third round. Dallas could add a tackle or guard and a center with its first two picks and then find Prescott’s potential successor in the third or fourth round. Keep in mind that the team doesn’t have a fourth-round pick, though it can move up via trade.

On the pro level, Michael Pratt can thrive with efficiency, though he’s not going to wow you with a ton of highlight-reel plays. The 22-year-old makes up for his lack of arm strength with great touch in ball placement. In most cases, he throws a catchable ball, giving his pass-catchers a chance to make plays after receptions. Like Prescott, more so early in his career, Pratt shows the willingness to finish drives as a ball-carrier. In four seasons at Tulane, he scored 28 rushing touchdowns. In short-yardage situations, you can classify him as a finisher rather than a runner. Pratt won’t throw many 30- or 40-yard rockets downfield, but his accuracy means the Cowboys could get creative with their pass-catchers in space.

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