If the Cowboys decide to move on from Dak Prescott next year, here are some options the Cowboys could groom for the future.
Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Depending on whom you ask, Michael Penix Jr. will hear his name called anywhere between the middle of the first round and midway through Day 2 of the draft. From the Cowboys’ perspective, the 23-year-old should be a second-to-third-round target. He had a stout offensive line at Washington, with tackles Troy Fautanu and Roger Rosengarten also headed to the pros as potential early-round picks.
Because of Penix’s injury history—two right ACL tears and a couple of notable shoulder issues—the Cowboys would have to prioritize their needs along the offensive line if they select him. He has the deep-ball accuracy to maximize Brandin Cooks’ downfield speed and CeeDee Lamb’s ball-tracking skills, though the Cowboys shouldn’t put the burden of carrying the offense on his arm.
Penix needs to adjust his one-speed fastball throwing tendencies from the pocket to help himself with easier underneath completions in the short-to-intermediate passing game. Nonetheless, like Nix, Penix has extensive collegiate starting experience that should help ease his transition to the pro level within a year.
Leave a Reply