The Landry Hat
Fansided

Dak Prescott taken first in ESPN 2016 NFL Re-Draft

By Steven Mullenax

Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC quarterback Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys (4) talks with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the 2017 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; NFC quarterback Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys (4) talks with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell before the 2017 Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

In a redo of the 2016 NFL Draft, ESPN.com selected Dallas Cowboys fourth round quarterback Dak Prescott as the number one overall selection.

Now that the dust has completely settled on the 2016 NFL season, and with the offseason about to kick off into high gear, it’s a great time to reflect. In this case, about the outstanding rookie year Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott had.

After a heartbreaking one and done defeat in the playoffs, it’s easy to forget just how magical the regular season actually was. And with all due respect to running back Ezekiel Elliott, the fourth overall selection last year’s draft was expected to be great. Especially because of the Cowboys massive investment along their offensive line, which has produced three perennial Pro Bowlers.

But for a Mississippi State quarterback taken late in the fourth round, to rise from third stringer to starting under center for America’s Team is a unbelievable story you’ll likely be sharing with your grandchildren. That’s how rare and special Prescott’s ascension in Dallas really was.

Posting arguably the greatest rookie season by any quarterback in NFL history, Prescott displayed a poise and patience beyond his years. And although he didn’t make very many splash plays, he was efficient and played the role the Cowboys needed him to fulfill.

Now that the season is long out of sight of the rear view mirror, football analysts and fans can look back with the benefit of hindsight and truly begin to appreciate Prescott’s outstanding rookie performance.

MUST READ: Four ways the Dallas Cowboys will miss Tony Romo

Praise came from Sports Illustrated just last week, as the legendary sports media giant named Prescott the top overall selection in their 2016 NFL Re-Draft. Now, another big name in sports is following suit.

"“The Rams went into the 2016 draft in desperate need of a franchise quarterback, but the ideal candidate might have been the guy taken in the fourth round. With the Cowboys, Prescott benefited from a dominant offensive line, a dynamic running back in Ezekiel Elliott and an impressive collection of pass-catchers. But he also showed great poise, accuracy, athleticism and decision-making ability.” – Alden Gonzalez, ESPN.com (Insider)"

Next: Ranking every top-10 pick in Dallas Cowboys’ history

Prescott completed an amazing 67.8% of his passes, starting in all 16 games for the Cowboys in 2016. That was the fourth highest completion percentage in the NFL last season, one tick above New England Patriots’ legend Tom Brady. Prescott also recorded a total of 29 touchdowns and threw only four interceptions, as he help lead the Cowboys to a 13-3 record, including an amazing 11-game winning streak.

Home/Cowboys News