Dallas Cowboys full 7-round mock for the 2021 NFL Draft

Round 5, Pick 178: Sam Ehlinger, QB – Texas

With the Dallas Cowboys, veteran backup quarterback Andy Dalton headed to the Chicago Bears, and Garrett Gilbert currently poised to be Dak Prescott’s backup the team takes a shot here to make that important position more of a competition.

Gilbert, who at 29-year’s old has 38 career passes, played admirably in his lone start last year for the Cowboys. He nearly led the team to an improbable victory of the then-undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers and endeared himself to many fans of America’s Team in the process.

However, his career 52.3 percent completion rate and one career passing touchdown do not necessarily inspire confidence in his ability to be a competent backup option at the most important position in football.

That leads Dallas to draft Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger with the 178th overall pick to create a little competition for Gilbert. The 22-year old signal-caller had a solid career with the Longhorns, posting a career 145 college passer rating during his four seasons there.

The young quarterback threw for 94 touchdowns to only 27 interceptions during his collegiate career and added 33 rushing scores to his resume as well. Those numbers should certainly warrant serious consideration for any team looking for a backup quarterback on day three.

The Dallas Cowboys keep Ehlinger in Texas with this selection and add some much-needed competition to the important position of second-string quarterback. The importance of which fans of America’s Team know all too well after last season.