Three Quarterbacks the Dallas Cowboys Might Consider in the Draft

As the NFL season continues to progress and the draft looms on the horizon, teams are evaluating every aspect of their roster, including the all-important quarterback position. For the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott has long been the franchise quarterback, a leader on and off the field, and someone who has delivered stability to the offense. However, the reality of the NFL is that no player, even a franchise quarterback like Prescott, is immune to injury or career uncertainty. The Cowboys, like any team with championship aspirations, must have a backup plan in place—especially at quarterback. With that in mind, the Cowboys could be looking to the 2025 NFL Draft to secure a potential backup or even a future starter who can develop under Prescott’s guidance.

While Dak Prescott is firmly entrenched as the Cowboys’ starting quarterback, it makes sense for the team to evaluate potential quarterback prospects who could step into the role in the future or provide solid backup depth in the interim. This article will explore three quarterbacks the Dallas Cowboys could target in the 2025 NFL Draft, taking into account their skill sets, potential fit in Dallas’ system, and how they could contribute to the team long-term.

1. Quinn Ewers – University of Texas

One of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft is Quinn Ewers from the University of Texas. A Texas native, Ewers is a highly skilled quarterback with significant upside, and the idea of him staying in-state to play for the Dallas Cowboys would be a popular one among fans. Ewers has received praise for his arm strength, mobility, and ability to make all the throws required of an NFL quarterback, and his potential is through the roof. Having started his career at Ohio State before transferring back to Texas, Ewers has the tools to be a future star at the next level.

Why Ewers Makes Sense for the Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have a long history of cultivating Texas talent, and bringing Ewers in could provide them with an exciting young quarterback prospect who is already familiar with the region and its football culture. Ewers’ strengths lie in his ability to throw deep balls with precision, his quick release, and his mobility to extend plays outside of the pocket. He is also known for his natural leadership abilities, which would be crucial in the Cowboys’ high-pressure environment.

Ewers has already demonstrated that he can handle the big stage, playing for a prominent program like Texas. His ability to develop under a veteran like Dak Prescott, learning from one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, would be invaluable. Prescott’s mentorship could help Ewers refine his decision-making, footwork, and understanding of NFL defenses—critical areas where many young quarterbacks need to improve.

Another benefit of drafting Ewers is the continuity he would bring to the Cowboys’ quarterback room. If Prescott ever suffers a significant injury, or if the Cowboys are preparing for the future post-Prescott, Ewers could step in and potentially become the face of the franchise. His combination of arm strength and mobility makes him a good fit in the Cowboys’ offensive system, which favors passing and the utilization of play-action.

Potential Drawback

While Ewers has massive potential, there are concerns about his consistency and accuracy, particularly in high-pressure situations. Some evaluators have pointed to his struggles in certain games as a reason to be cautious. His development at the professional level will largely depend on his ability to translate his talent into sustained success over the course of an NFL season. Additionally, there are concerns regarding his tendency to lock onto his first read, which could be problematic in a pro-style offense. However, with time, coaching, and experience, Ewers has the potential to become a franchise quarterback in the NFL.

2. Drake Maye – University of North Carolina

Another quarterback prospect that the Dallas Cowboys might consider is Drake Maye from the University of North Carolina. Maye is one of the most highly regarded quarterbacks in the 2025 draft class due to his excellent physical tools and maturity as a passer. At 6’4” and over 220 pounds, Maye has the ideal size for an NFL quarterback and is capable of making all the throws necessary to succeed at the next level. He’s shown impressive poise in the pocket and has consistently produced at a high level for North Carolina.

Why Maye Makes Sense for the Cowboys

One of the key reasons the Cowboys might be interested in Drake Maye is his impressive blend of size, athleticism, and arm strength. Maye has the ability to drive the ball down the field with velocity, and his accuracy on both short and deep throws is one of his strongest traits. He has great vision as well, making him capable of going through progressions and finding the right target. Maye also possesses the mobility to extend plays outside the pocket, an essential skill for any modern NFL quarterback.

For the Cowboys, Maye could be a strong developmental option to eventually take over the reins from Dak Prescott. With his physical tools and leadership ability, Maye has the potential to be a future franchise quarterback. Should the Cowboys decide to draft Maye, he would likely benefit from sitting behind Prescott for a few seasons, allowing him time to adjust to the NFL’s speed and refine his game under a strong coaching staff.

Maye’s natural ability to read defenses and make quick decisions would mesh well with Dallas’ offensive system, which has prioritized balance and explosiveness in recent years. He would have the luxury of learning from Prescott, who has become one of the league’s more polished quarterbacks. This mentorship would be critical for Maye’s development, as Prescott’s experience could help him navigate the complexities of NFL defenses and improve his decision-making under pressure.

Potential Drawback

The main concern surrounding Maye is his tendency to make mistakes under pressure, particularly in big games. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, there are instances where he’s been too aggressive or thrown into coverage. In the NFL, these mistakes can be costly. Like most college quarterbacks, Maye will need to clean up some of his decision-making to succeed at the professional level.

However, his overall skill set makes him a highly intriguing prospect, and his upside as a future starting quarterback could be well worth the investment for a team like the Cowboys. His combination of size, arm strength, and mobility gives him all the tools to thrive in the NFL, and with the right development, he could evolve into a star.

3. Michael Penix Jr. – University of Washington

Another quarterback the Dallas Cowboys might want to consider is Michael Penix Jr. from the University of Washington. Penix has been one of the most exciting quarterbacks in college football over the past couple of years, largely due to his strong arm, playmaking ability, and leadership. After transferring from Indiana to Washington, Penix elevated his game to new heights, leading the Huskies to a high-profile season. While he has dealt with injury concerns in the past, Penix’s ability to make explosive plays and his impressive deep-ball accuracy make him an intriguing option for the Cowboys.

Why Penix Makes Sense for the Cowboys

One of the most exciting aspects of Michael Penix Jr.’s game is his ability to throw the deep ball with precision. Penix has been particularly effective in pushing the ball downfield, a skill that would align perfectly with the Cowboys’ offensive system, which has often relied on explosive passing plays. His athleticism and mobility also make him a viable option in the modern NFL, as he is able to move around the pocket and extend plays when necessary.

Penix has experience playing in a variety of offensive systems, which means he could adapt quickly to the Cowboys’ offense. His leadership qualities are also evident, as he’s shown the ability to elevate his team in key moments. Additionally, Penix has experience playing in high-stakes games, which could prepare him for the pressure of playing in Dallas. The Cowboys could see Penix as a potential backup who could step in if needed or be developed as a future starter, should Prescott’s career begin to wind down.

Potential Drawback

Penix’s primary concern is his injury history, particularly with his previous struggles with ACL injuries during his time at Indiana. Although he has managed to stay healthy at Washington, the risk of future injuries is something that would likely cause the Cowboys to proceed with caution. Penix will need to prove that he can stay healthy over the course of a full season to ease any concerns teams might have regarding his durability.