In many ways, the Dallas Cowboys are caught in one of the most awkward spots possible in the NFL. The team is plenty good enough to qualify for the postseason, but it's difficult to envision a scenario where Dak Prescott leads this team to a Super Bowl title.
In fact, the defense in "Big D" is outperforming the offense at the moment. Micah Parsons has emerged as a legitimate superstar and the organization deserves credit for piecing together an above-average secondary.
The frustration in Dallas is that the offense's passing attack has been unable to produce the sort of big plays required of a legitimate Super Bowl contender. That weakness will need to be addressed in the offseason. It's precisely why these three college prospects should already be drawing lots of attention from the Cowboys' front office.
3. Shedeur Sanders
The Cowboys shouldn't be looking to replace Prescott right away, but succession planning at the quarterback position should be a consideration for Dallas in Round 1. Shedeur Sanders is going to need some seasoning before he's ready to play meaningful NFL snaps which makes the Cowboys an ideal landing spot for him in the bottom half of Round 1.
The logic here is that Prescott is going to eventually become too expensive to justify his mildly above-average production. It's an extreme situation of what the Packers elected to do with Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love. Green Bay knew Rodgers' contract would make him too expensive to build around. The same is going to be true about Prescott in the very near future.
Interestingly, Sanders should remind decision-makers in Dallas a lot of Prescott. They're both mobile quarterbacks who excel with their accuracy. No one should be surprised if Deion's son follows his father's footsteps playing for Jerry Jones.
2. Troy Franklin
The combination of Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup has failed to provide CeeDee Lamb with the support he needs to make Dallas' receiving group elite. It's time for an infusion of young talent in the team's pass-catching group.
Troy Franklin has flashed enough big-play ability inside the comfortable confines of the Oregon offense to merit serious looks in Round 1. He possesses excellent straight-line speed and shows surprising leaping ability to help him make contested catches. He may not have the upside to blossom into a No. 1 receiver but he profiles as a strong No. 2.
The Cowboys are in a position where they should be looking for a potential difference-maker with their first-round pick. The franchise played it relatively safe with defensive tackle Mazi Smith last season but they need to take a bigger swing this time around. Franklin has some bust potential but he also could turn into a serious downfield weapon.
Plenty of wide receivers are going to get looks from Dallas when they go on the clock. Franklin isn't the safest choice but his upside should be tempting for Jones and his brain trust. At the very least, he'd draw more attention from opposing secondaries than either Cooks or Gallup is this season.
1. Brian Thomas Jr.
Malik Nabers deserves all of the plaudits he's getting from the national media, but NFL scouts notice that Brian Thomas Jr. is also a potential first-round selection. It's Thomas, not Nabers, who's leading FBS in receiving touchdowns at the moment.
Thomas possesses nice athletic traits, but his hands are what really stands out about his collegiate film. If the ball gets near him he reels it in for a productive catch. That quality has him rising up a lot of draft boards as his season chugs along.
The big question that will follow Thomas until he's able to work out for the NFL after his time at LSU is through is whether or not he has the speed required to separate from quality corners at the next level. What's not up for debate is his ability to use his body to make catches in traffic. That skill should translate to the NFL and make him a productive starter early in his professional career.
Thomas represents a relatively safe choice for the Cowboys who also has upside. That's the sweet spot for an organization that wants its offense to take another step forward. The depth chart desperately needs to add talent at receiver and Thomas fits the bill.
