NFL analyst mocks quarterback scenario to the Dallas Cowboys that would make plenty of sense in the draft

The Dallas Cowboys are focusing on defense in the 2026 NFL Draft. But on Day 3, everything goes, and picking a quarterback would sure make sense. A national analyst just pinpointed a potential target.

Even though the Dallas Cowboys are expected to focus on defense early on in the 2026 NFL Draft, with four picks in rounds 4 and 5, they may be able to land some intriguing prospects on the offensive side of the ball.

And yes, that includes the quarterback position.

NFL analyst mocks Day 3 quarterback to the Cowboys

Benjamin Solak over at ESPN put together a “quarterback mock draft,” in which he identified sweet spots for this year’s quarterback class. In the fifth round, at pick No. 152 overall, he had one going to the Cowboys.

The quarterback? None other than Carson Beck, who most recently led the Miami Hurricanes to the National Championship. Previously, he started two seasons for the Georgia Bulldogs.

“Beck is very much a rhythm/confidence thrower who lets his mistakes compound, but he can also get into a pocket and throw with NFL timing and zip,” Solak wrote in his article. “This is a trait he shares with (Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott), who looks like the league’s best quarterback when he’s hot in the pocket.”

Why drafting a QB in Day 3 makes perfect sense

What I really like about Solak listing the Cowboys as a candidate to pick a quarterback goes beyond him sharing a trait with Prescott. It’s more about the fact that Dallas is admittedly open to having a new backup quarterback.

After trading for Joe Milton last year, Dallas is now open to pivoting. Milton was widely inaccurate last year, with an on-target percentage that would have ranked below 42 qualifying quarterbacks, per Pro Football Reference.

As a result, they recently signed Sam Howell and head coach Brian Schottenheimer revealed it would be an open competition to back up Prescott.

Adding some upside via a draft pick would make sense if the right player is there. Beck may be that guy. If so, he would deviate from what Dallas has looked for in recent QB acquisitions (highly athletic traits).

Other Day 3 quarterback targets

Looking at the consensus draft board from our A to Z Sports’ mock draft simulator, here are other quarterback targets that could make sense in Day 3:

• Drew Allar, Penn State (No. 131 on our board)
• Cole Payton, North Dakota Stake (No. 146)
• Cade Klubnik, Clemson (No. 175)
• Sawyer Robertson, Baylor (No. 177)
• Taylen Green, Arkansas (No. 186)

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