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Cowboys News & Notes: Where Should Dallas Be Looking To Take A Quarterback?

Latest Cowboys headlines: QB options past the first round; more mock drafts

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Ex-Cowboys scout: When the Cowboys plan to take a QB; if Elliott is still possible at No. 4 - Staff, SportsDay
While Dallas has lost out on the opportunity to take one of the top quarterbacks in the draft, the team will still be on the lookout for a QB in later rounds. Former Cowboys scout, Bryan Broaddus gives his take on when the Cowboys will take a quarterback.

You're probably going to have to draft Prescott earlier than what you probably want to. Because if you try and wait until you come back around in the draft, then that guy is usually not there. Sometimes when you're at the end of the draft, you have to pick guys earlier. Then sometimes you have to think about, well if we're waiting on this guy, we might need to go ahead and make this pick now instead of trying to carry this thing a whole nother round. I think they're going to draft a quarterback. I personally feel like we could very well see them take corner, which would be Ramsey if they could, take defensive end at 34 and then turn around at 67 or 101 and pick a quarterback.

Cowboys could still draft a QB - Matt Urben, Cover32
Two teams have jumped ahead of the Cowboys for the elite QBs in the draft so that has the team looking in later rounds. If Dallas is targeting someone in round two, again they'll have two teams right ahead of them (Denver and Cleveland) that could take the prospect they are targeting. That could leave some slim pick'ns at 34. Is there anyone available at that spot that the Cowboys should consider? Matt Urben weighs in.

#34: Cowboys: Christian Hackenberg – Penn State

I think the Cowboys happily take Hackenberg in the second and get their future heir to Romo, who probably isn’t ready to play immediately anyway. I chose him over Dak Prescott because I think Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Scott Linehan prefers pocket-passers, especially with the team’s big offensive line being one of it’s bigger strengths. They did host Prescott, so I’m not ruling him out, I just think Linehan goes with Hackenberg.

Will the Cowboys get a QB? Why I wouldn't bet against Trevone Boykin - Bob Sturm, SportsDay
If the Cowboys are looking at QBs late in the draft, Bob Sturm has a sleeper candidate that could offer up some nice upside.

Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech

He was a high-level recruit who couldn't fully break through as the starter for the Gators in the SEC. But his move to Louisiana Tech allowed him to start every game last season, put up big numbers and get a Senior Bowl invite. He has all the tools to beat you with his arm or feet, but between durability and issues with throwing on time and with anticipation, he has many doubters at the next level. But there is plenty to work with for a team looking for a project.

To the Wire: The Cowboys’ horse race for fourth overall pick - Patrik Walker, Cowboys Wire
With two gargantuan trades in recent weeks, the field is narrowing for the number four pick. Patrik Walker takes a look at a couple of the prime candidates.

Stack the box against Elliott and a healthy Romo will most assuredly have a field day, as history has shown in the DeMarco Murray era. If the opposing secondary "plays honest", they’ll have to contend with the quickness of Elliott to burst into the second level while having ability to make LBs/DBs miss in space. A stout running game gets Dallas back to owning time of possession which keeps the defense rested and sharp; assisting them in rushing the passer and getting takeaways.

Day 1 of the NFL Draft....According to Hoyle - Jamie Hoyle, Bolts From The Blue
Wonder what is going on in the minds of Chargers fans? Jamie Hoyle over at Bolts From Blue tells people what's on his mind as the draft approaches.

I've resigned myself to the Chargers selecting Jalen Ramsey with the #3 pick. Not because I think he's the best player in the draft, but because this is the Chargers and they always get it wrong. And when you have the worst defensive line in football and decide to take a safety in the top five, that's the wrong decision no matter how you look at it.

These are the Cowboys' two biggest draft needs - Brandon George, SportsDay
With some premium draft capitol, the Cowboys have a great opportunity to strengthen the defense. But will that be the direction the team goes?

Question: All things considered, is defensive back-defensive lineman (in no particular order) the direction Dallas needs to take with its first two picks?

Brandon George: Yes, I believe so. If they can come out of the first 2 rounds with a top DE and a top CB, that would be huge for Dallas. I believe it's their top two need areas going into the draft.

Cowboys 2016 Draft: Three Defensive Back Targets - Lauren Draper-Wood, The Landry Hat
If the Cowboys can't find a good DB in the earlier rounds, can they find any serviceable players late? Lauren Draper-Wood offers up a few different options.

Round 3/4: Miles Killebrew, Utah State, Safety

Miles Killebrew is one of my favourite small school prospects this draft. While he’s a lot to learn when it comes to dropping off into deep coverage, his tackling is some of the finest going. When he hits a player, they won’t forget him. He is a violent clean tackler and consistently put up good numbers at college.

Cowboys Mock NFL Draft: Final 7-Round Mock - Ramsey Or Another Defender? Matthew Postins, Scout
With the draft just a few days away, people are running out of time to get their mocks in. Matthew Postins from Cowboys HQ puts together his final seven round mock.

Round 2 (34): DT Jarran Reed, Alabama

Analysis: A space-eating, one-technique tackle that can plug the run and pave the way for the Cowboys’ solid linebacking corps. He’s a Top 20 player that falls to No. 34. Great value, especially if you’re looking for someone that can play right away.

Epic 7-round Cowboys mock dictated by trade back, suspension concerns - K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
Another seven round mock for your viewing, courtesy of the noble Drummond.

No. 34: Karl Joseph, S, West Virginia

CowboysWire’s Scouting Report : Joseph’s stock has risen as draftniks have caught on to what NFL teams see, an explosive centerfielder who is outright violent through the tackle. Adding him to Byron Jones could be magical.

Cowboys 2016 Seven-Round Mock Draft - Will Reeve Jr., Today's Pigskin
While there are the usual suspects selected with pick 4, there is quite a lot of variation at 34. Here's another mock with another second round candidate.

Derek Henry is a physical specimen and unlike some other former Crimson Tide running backs, expect him to be a productive back for several years. The ideal ground-and-pound back, Henry would also take some pressure off the aging and (now) oft-injured Romo, and the offensive line to boot. The Boys did get some unexpected production out of Darren McFadden last season, but counting on McFadden to be in the lineup from week-to-week is always a gamble. With a mauling offensive line built to run block, a true bell-cow back like Henry early in the second-round would be just what the doctor ordered. Furthermore, the Cowboys did have Henry in for an official visit, so he’s clearly on their radar.

Report: Mid-round wide receiver prospect with ties to No. 1 overall QB visits Cowboys - Staff, SportsDay
There are a lot of talented wide receivers in this draft. While the Cowboys have other needs to attend to early, they can still get in on some of the quality pass catchers in later rounds.

Standing at 6-2, 203 pounds, Lawler has good size, but only average speed. Even without blazing speed, he was able to haul in 27 touchdowns catching passes from possible No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff. The kid from Cal has some great hands. His highlight video is fun to watch.

Cowboys Draft Positional Profile – Interior OL - Shawn Kairschner, WFAA.com
Trying to guess who the Cowboys might draft gets a little easier when you know what the team is looking for. Shawn Kairschner puts together his latest position breakdown as he examines who the Cowboys could be targeting at the guard position.

Invitees Missouri's Connor McGovern and Isaac Seumalo of Oregon State both fit the Cowboys OL profile and have experience at multiple O-line positions. I'd expect other collegians who fit the same criteria to appear on the Cowboys draft board as well.

And what exactly is that position profile for the C/G position?

Offensive Center-Guard: Power and heft to hold up inside against big defensive tackles and root them out on power runs; plays with a nasty streak; good feet to execute reach and second-level blocks; intelligent player with high football IQ to synthesize information with limited reps.

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