Dallas Cowboys: 4 potential QB replacements in the 2021 NFL Draft

D’Eriq King, QB – Miami

This one would be the biggest gamble but could also have a tremendous payoff if it works out. As a UCF Knights fan, I had the opportunity to watch D’Eriq King play in the American Athletic Conference.

But much like AAC coaches, King sought greener pastures in the Power 5, so he decided to redshirt last season. He played in just four games for Houston in 2019 and eventually transferred to the University of Miami with hopes of showing NFL evaluators he can play quarterback at the next level.

King absolutely balled with the Cougars in 2018, scoring 50 total touchdowns (36 passing, 14 rushing). He’s exactly the type of dynamic quarterback that could make some big plays for the Cowboys.

At 5’11, 195 pounds, King is on the smaller side. But the NFL is starting to shift from that prototype quarterback build mentality. Baker Mayfield (6’0″) and Kyler Murray (5’10”) are the first to come to mind as both were drafted first overall in their respective drafts. Both have shown an ability to compete against NFL talent, despite their size disadvantage.

Russell Wilson, who measures just 5’11” is easily one of the best quarterbacks in the league. And while Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes aren’t as small as King, they are very much unorthodox quarterbacks as well. They are dynamic players with tremendous athleticism who can keep plays alive long enough with their feet to make big things happens.

Like them, King has the ability to scramble. We’re talking 674 rushing yards in 2018. It’s easy to compare him to Lamar Jackson with that kind of running ability. But King also insists he’s a pass-first quarterback, which sounds great for NFL evaluators.

Whether or not he can make those throws is another question. King has an explosive arm and in 2018 led the AAC in completion percentage (63.5%) and passer efficiency rating (167). He was second in adjusted passing yards per attempt with 9.9, behind only UCF’s McKenzie Milton (10).

His accuracy did regress in every season as a starter, however. In the four games he played in 2019, he completed just 52.7 percent of his passes. His mechanics and footwork need a lot of cleaning up. He needs to prove he can consistently make NFL-type throws in tight windows.

He also needs to prove his durability. NFL scouts can overlook King’s size if he shows them he can take (or avoid) big hits and stay healthy. He hasn’t done that thus far in college. He tore his meniscus as the end of the 2018 campaign and ultimately missed Houston’s bowl game. D’Eriq King would certainly bring some excitement to the Dallas Cowboys.