The Dallas Cowboys' No. 4 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft has been widely speculated as an opportunity for the club to draft Tony Romo's eventual successor at quarterback, but NFL Media senior analyst Gil Brandt says taking a QB with that pick isn't part of the Cowboys' plan.
And few are as well-informed on the subject than the former Cowboys general manager who spoke directly with club owner Jerry Jones.
"Jerry told me recently that he will unequivocally not take a quarterback at No. 4, where the Cowboys draft this year. I believe him," Brandt wrote in a review of developmental QB options for the Cowboys in the draft. "It makes sense if you think Romo will make a full recovery from offseason surgery, will be your starter for at least three more years, and your team has a window of opportunity that will remain open by filling more glaring needs with the top pick in the draft."
That would certainly align with Jones' declaration at the Reese's Senior Bowl that the club isn't necessarily under pressure to find its next starting quarterback in the draft. Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett has also said that, while the club needs a promising young quarterback on the roster, the No. 4 pick might not be the time to make that investment. Brandt finds Jones' intent to go in another direction with the No. 4 pick sensible.
"It's not only a smart move, but I believe it's the only move, as tempting as it might be if a player like Carson Wentz is still on the board when the Cowboys pick," Brandt wrote. "If I were Jerry, I'd wait on my quarterback in the later rounds, develop him, and let him learn from Romo. It's a luxury Dallas can afford."
That could be good news for the second tier of passing prospects -- one extra team in the second-day (Rounds 2-3) or third-day (Rounds 4-7) market for a quarterback can't hurt.
For the likes of Wentz or Cal's Jared Goff, however, falling past Dallas might mean falling quite a bit farther.
*Follow Chase Goodbread on Twitter **@ChaseGoodbread*.
