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Pre-draft position preview: Dak Prescott isn’t going anywhere, but this question remains for the Cowboys at QB

Will head coach Mike McCarthy identify and develop a new backup quarterback?

The Cowboys had an active start to free agency, re-signing or acquiring several veteran players while losing some key contributors to other clubs. But work remains before the 2020 team takes shape. This is the final installment of a 10-part series that evaluates the roster entering the April 23-25 NFL draft. Today’s focus is on quarterback.

He doesn’t have a long-term contract yet. He hasn’t signed his exclusive franchise tag. But he’ll be the team’s starting quarterback this season.

Again.

Dak Prescott isn’t going anywhere. The inability of the two sides to reach an agreement speaks to the complexity of this deal. It doesn’t reflect any doubt on the part of the Cowboys that Prescott is the man for the job.

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Prescott stepped into the Cowboys’ lineup on Day 1 and has started 64 consecutive games, compiling a 40-24 record. He’s durable and getting better.

The question: Will he take part in the voluntary, virtual workouts that begin next week?

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Draft need: 3 out of 10

On the roster

Players
Dak Prescott
Cooper Rush
Clayton Thorson
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Position of strengths

Prescott enjoyed the most prolific statistical season of his brief NFL career in 2019, showing tremendous strides in phases of his game that critics once pinpointed as significant flaws. A quarterback who once struggled to show he could carry a team offensively and challenge defenses deep on a consistent basis did that game in and game out.

The quarterback threw for 4,902 yards and 30 touchdowns, both career highs. He threw for 400 or more yards in a game three times and presided over an offense that broke the 400-yard barrier in total offense a franchise-record 12 times.

The deep pass? Prescott completed 35 of 76 passes of 20 or more yards, the third-best percentage in the league.

Prescott has led 14-game winning drives in the fourth quarter during his first four seasons. That ties what Seattle’s Russell Wilson did in his first four seasons.

Position of weaknesses

FILE - Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush warms up before a game against the Eagles at Lincoln...
FILE - Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush warms up before a game against the Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Philadelphia.(Smiley N. Pool / Staff Photographer)

Depth is the question here.

Cooper Rush has been the team’s backup the past three seasons. He’s appeared in only five games during that span, completing 1 of 3 passes for two yards. He hasn’t thrown a pass in a regular-season game since November of ’17.

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Rush has performed relatively well in the preseason, but it’s difficult to project how he would perform or the team’s level of comfort with him if an injury forced him to play on an extended basis. Prescott threw 596 of the team’s 597 pass attempts last season.

The other belonged to receiver Randall Cobb.

Jason Garrett was comfortable with Rush as the backup. He’s no longer here. It’s reasonable to expect new head coach Mike McCarthy will want to identify and develop his own quarterback.

Five prospects to watch

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Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma: One of the players the club has hosted for a virtual interview. He compiled a 38-4 record as a starter at Alabama and Oklahoma and should go in the third or fourth round.

Anthony Gordon, Washington State: Moved into the starting lineup as a senior and threw for 5,579 yards with 48 touchdowns. Displays a quick release and nice touch but takes some unnecessary risks.

James Morgan, Florida International: Began his career at Bowling Green. Good velocity on his throws. Player to consider in fifth or sixth round.

Cole McDonald, Hawaii: Threw for more than 8,000 yards with 69 touchdowns in his two seasons as a starter and ran for 12 other scores. A tough, mobile quarterback to consider on Day 3.

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Nate Stanley, Iowa: A three-year starter who wound up with 68 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions. Has arm to throw into tight windows but lacks mobility to extend plays.

Full series

April 5: Specialists

April 6: Cornerback

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April 7: Safety

April 8: Linebacker

April 9: Defensive line

April 10: Offensive line

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April 11: Running back

April 12: Tight end

April 13: Wide receiver

April 14: Quarterback

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