Dallas Cowboys: Emmitt Smith and Dak Prescott share an interesting similarity
Dallas Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith can relate to quarterback Dak Prescott when it comes to not being the team’s initial target in the draft.
Dallas Cowboys‘ quarterback Dak Prescott famously was not the team’s first choice at quarterback in the 2016 draft. Before the team selected him in the fourth round, they aggressively pursued Denver Broncos Paxton Lynch and Oakland Raiders Connor Cook.
Neither of those players would end up having as impressive of a rookie season as Prescott. If teams were given the option to re-draft today, chances are Prescott would be among the top three draft selections. USA Today, Bleacher Report, and Sports Illustrated each have him among the first two picks in their 2016 re-drafts.
Some Dallas Cowboys’ fans may be unaware this isn’t the first instance a potential franchise changing super-star “accidentally” landed in their laps. Authors Norm Hitzges and Ron St. Angelo revealed that in their book “The Greatest Team Ever“, a recounting of Dallas’ dominance in the 1990s.
On April 22nd, 1990, the Cowboys found themselves in need of a defensive player in the first round. With the 21st and 26th picks, they felt confident they could select one of three defensive targets. Those players were linebacker James Francis, linebacker Lamar Lathon, and defensive tackle Ray Agnew.
Francis was believed to be a “can’t-miss” talent who some scouts compared to New York Giants superstar Lawrence Taylor. Lathon and Agnew were the backup plans. What transpired was similar to what happened with Lynch and Cook. The Cowboys attempts to trade up failed.
Agnew, who was their Plan C, was shockingly selected at number 10 by the New England Patriots. Dallas efforts to trade up for Francis and Lathon were unsuccessful after Francis was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals at number 12 and Lathon was taken by the Houston Oilers at number 15.
The Cowboys now had to consider their fourth option: running back Emmitt Smith. The Cowboys didn’t consider the running back position a need. Before the draft they traded a second round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for Terrence Flagler, a former first round pick. Running backs coach Joe Brodsky helped convince the coaching staff that Smith offered substantially more in terms of talent.
The rest is history. Dallas traded up to acquire 17th pick to select Smith, who would end up becoming a Hall-of-Fame player instrumental in helping the team win three Super Bowls.
(For comparisons sake: Francis, Lathon and Agnew would each have solid careers but would not get close to achieving the amount of success as Smith. Flagler ran for less than 300 yards in his entire career.)
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At this time we can’t tell whether Prescott will build off his phenomenal rookie season. We do know that he will be playing with a chip on his shoulder resembling what Smith felt in 1990. That should only help push him to exceed throughout his career.