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Rumor: Carson Wentz is the Dallas Cowboys top rated quarterback

By Steven Mullenax

Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass during pre game warmups against the Illinois State Redbirds at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Frisco, TX, USA; North Dakota State Bison quarterback Carson Wentz (11) throws a pass during pre game warmups against the Illinois State Redbirds at Pizza Hut Park. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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A longtime NFL Draft analyst claims that the Dallas Cowboys highest rated quarterback prospect in the upcoming draft is North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz.

With the start of the NFL Draft less than three weeks away, the speculation swirling around the Dallas Cowboys draft plans is at an all-time high. And most of that drama is circling the Cowboys first round selection, the fourth overall pick in the draft.

For months, names like Florida State defensive back Jalen Ramsey, Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa, and his Buckeye teammate running back Ezekiel Elliott have been speculated as possible draft targets.

But one longtime NFL Draft analyst believes he knows what the Cowboys’ organization is planning. According to Tony Pauline, the number one player on Dallas’ wishlist is Ramsey. But that’s something he reported back in February, although the Cowboys don’t actually start working on their official draft board until April 11th.

What is new is the fact Pauline is reporting the Cowboys preference when it comes to the quarterback position as well. For months, speculation has run rampant concerning which quarterback prospect Dallas preferred, California’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz. Then there is Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch, who held a private workout in front of all the Cowboys brass last month.

According to Pauline, he’s being told the Cowboys prefer Wentz.

"“Back in February I reported Jalen Ramsey was atop the Dallas Cowboys draft board and can tell you nothing has changed as the Florida State defensive back is still number one with the organization,” Pauline wrote on Friday on his site DraftInsider.net. “I’m told the team has Carson Wentz of North Dakota State as their highest rated quarterback and top three on their board…The Cowboys are one of four teams that have inquired on moving up to the top spot of the draft.”"

Pauline went on to report that the Cowboys have cooled on Bosa, especially Dallas’ defensive line coach Leon Lett. And that the Cowboys are still high on Elliott, the running back out of Ohio State.

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As for the Cowboys ranking of Wentz, it certainly makes sense. Dallas spent a week with him at the Senior Bowl, so they know the player better than most teams. And the fact Wentz may need some time to adjust to the pro game coming from a FCS school plays right into the Cowboys hands as well.

Dallas isn’t looking for an instant starter. Their starting quarterback, Tony Romo, plans on playing another four to five years. But Romo will be 36-years old this season, and injuries have plagued his career as of late.

That means Wentz, or any other quarterback the Cowboys draft, will likely be holding a clipboard for at least a couple years. That could be perfect for players like Carson, Lynch or other prospects who may not yet be ready to start games and find early success in the NFL.

But the Cowboys may indeed have to trade up in the draft to obtain Wentz, as it’s been speculated he could go as high as second overall to the Cleveland Browns. There’s also been recent rumors the Philadelphia Eagles could try and trade up to the number one spot to grab a quarterback.

The good thing for the Cowboys is the fact they have plenty of options. If their top ranked players are off the board when their number is called, there should still be a plethora of worthy prospects available for the taking that high in the draft.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Three First Rounders

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