Dallas Cowboys Draft Decision: Small School, Big Reward

On the back of last weekend’s Senior Bowl, the Dallas Cowboys continue to be linked to ‘small school’ quarterback Carson Wentz of North Dakota State.

The Dallas Cowboys continue to be linked to ‘small school’ quarterback Carson Wentz of North Dakota State following last weekend’s Senior Bowl. Whether Wentz is still on the board come the 4^th pick remains to be seen, as does the decision of whether the Cowboys draft him or not.

King of the bluff, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones spoke with Wentz last week. And Dallas head coach Jason Garrett had the opportunity to coach the young quarterback as he took charge of the North Roster for the Senior Bowl.

"“Jerry on purpose – made it a point to go and talk to Carson Wentz after that practice was over. On the field … where everybody could see … allowed all of us to come up, including cameras running on it. I think he did that on purpose. I don’t think they’re taking a quarterback at four at all.” – Jon Machota, Dallas Morning News"

The question mark that lingers over Wentz is that he’s from a ‘small school’. The Cowboys are arguably the last team to let that worry them; after all Tony Romo was an undrafted small school acquisition! In terms of the NFL though, how do the men under center from FCS schools perform?

In 2015 over seventy quarterbacks featured in the NFL. Just seven were from FCS schools and only three of them can be considered starters for the teams.

While Ryan Fitzpatrick had a great year with the Jets, he’s a journey man. Only Tony Romo and Joe Flacco really have established themselves as legitimate NFL quarterbacks.

Off the back of his Senior Bowl performance, there were no red flags from Wentz in terms of a step up in opposition. But naturally stepping up into the NFL will be an even greater challenge.

"“It’s the small things that start to add up in the NFL. You can’t double-clutch passes on 3rd-and-11 out of an empty set, but our Bison got away with it in the FCS. A two-on-three screen, in the red zone no less, with a blown block—essentially making it a one-on-three layup for the defense—doesn’t go for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. On Saturdays against North Dakota, though, that hits pay dirt.” – Wentz scout report"

Wentz is a talent and intriguing prospect. If he was there when the Cowboys pick at the top of the second round, I’d be delighted. But there’s just too many ifs, buts and maybes for me to roll the dice at 4 right now.

After all, we’ve our number 9 for at least four more years yet right?

Next: Former Redskin: RG3 will sign with Cowboys due to Jerry Jones

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