Entering the 2022 NFL Draft you’re likely to hear that some of the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest needs are at Offensive Line, Wide Receiver, Linebacker, Edge, Cornerback, and Defensive Tackle. However, could the one position we are ignoring that the franchise needs is a backup Quarterback?
Now I’m not advocating that the franchise spends one of their high picks on a QB in this year’s class. But with the Cowboys slated to only have two QBs signed on the team next summer, I feel like they could address the position this year and save some money.
I get that Dak Prescott, who is getting paid handsomely by the Cowboys, shouldn’t necessarily need competition if the franchise believes he’s the guy. But if Dak were to get injured, are we riding with Cooper Rush again?
When Prescott went down two seasons ago, we all saw the crazy QB carousel that the franchise had. Based on that experience, I feel like it would be smart for them to draft a viable backup late in this year’s draft.
While a rookie may not necessarily have success right away, I’m not drafting and banking that he’s going to play right away. But with the right development it could pay dividends.
Enter Western Kentucky QB Bailey Zappe
After throwing for 6,000-yards and 62 touchdowns, you would think Zappe would be skyrocketing up draft boards. But because of the system he played in, some analysts don’t believe his numbers could translate to the NFL.
Despite breaking records, Zappe is being viewed as a QB that you can grab in later rounds if you need a backup or developmental project. But there is a belief that he can be an eventual starter down the road.
If Zappe were to be drafted by the Cowboys, he would be someone who can be counted on to make plays with his arm or his feet. After seeing the play from the backup QBs two seasons ago, please sign me up.
Despite being known as a gunslinger, Zappe has also been labeled as someone who has an “above-average arm.” But if you don’t remember Cincinnati Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow was given the same label heading into the NFL Draft, and he turned out fine.
Now I’m not saying that Bailey Zappe’s going to be the next Burrow. But I feel like if there’s any reasonable comparison between them, that could be a successful use of a late-round pick.
