Cowboys draft history: Best 21st century draft picks from each round
By Ali Jawad
Best Fourth-Round Selection: Dak Prescott, QB
Going into the 2016 season, the Cowboys were confident that quarterback Tony Romo could stay healthy and lead the team back into the postseason. The organization’s plans changed when Romo went down in preseason, and a battle for the starting job occurred.
Little would the Cowboys know they would end up turning to their next franchise quarterback -- Dak Prescott, who was a near afterthought.
Prescott was drafted out of Mississippi State in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft. The former Bulldog probably never imagined he would lead Dallas to a 13-3 record and an NFC East title in his rookie season.
Well, that’s exactly what happened, and mid-way through his rookie season, it was clear that Prescott earned the right to be the starter moving forward.
Prescott has led the Cowboys to the playoffs four times as a former fourth-round selection, has won three division titles, and has earned a pair of Pro Bowl selections.
Statistically, Prescott has thrown 166 touchdown passes to just 65 interceptions. He has passed for 24,943 yards and has a career passer rating of 97.8.
Let’s also credit what number four has done off the field. Prescott became the fourth player in franchise history to win the prestigious NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Prescott’s Faith Fight Finish Foundation helps empower individuals, families, and communities to find strength through adversity. The foundation focuses on mental health, suicide, cancer, and youth.
While some fans today may be growing restless and hope number four can deliver. It’s easy to put him on this list when considering the number of late-round quarterbacks who would go on to become franchise players is microscopic.
Runner Up: Marion Barber