Is Dillon Gabriel a Future Cowboy?
The Dallas Cowboys are now in need of a backup for former All-Pro quarterback Dak Prescott. Long-time backup Cooper Rush, who had a 9-5 record in his time starting for an injured Prescott, has recently agreed to a two-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The other backup, former third overall pick back in 2021 Trey Lance, which Dallas traded a fourth overall pick for, is also a free agent with no sign of resigning for Dallas. The only other quarterback on the roster currently is Will Grier, who has not played a game in the NFL since 2019. Dallas has mentioned the idea of drafting a quarterback in this upcoming draft, and with multiple late-round picks, can Dillon Gabriel find his way to Jerry World?
Gabriel in College
Gabriel, in his most recent season for the Oregon Ducks, led them to the number-one ranking in the country and an undefeated regular season. Unfortunately for the Ducks, they would lose a highly anticipated rematch against Ohio State in the CFP 21-41. In this undefeated season, Gabriel recorded 3857 passing yards, and 30 touchdowns plus had the third-highest QBR in the nation at 86.4. His collegiate career is arguably up there with the best for quarterbacks, as he ended his career tied for most passing touchdowns in FBS history with 155, the most total touchdowns in FBS history at 189, and second in FBS history for career passing yards with 18,722 yards.
Why It Makes Sense
It would make sense for Dallas because, as previously mentioned, they have multiple picks in this upcoming draft, notably seven past round three. With these picks, and Gabriel’s projected to become a third-day pick, the stars could align where Dallas does draft him. Gabriel, if selected by the Cowboys, would have the fortune of learning under one of the smartest quarterbacks in the NFL in Prescott. The selection would show he has an excellent personality, as one of the keys for new head coach Brian Schottenheimer is drafting players who could evolve the Cowboys’ culture. He would also be able to compete for the backup spot on day one with no other quarterbacks on the roster that have secured the backup role.
