NFL analyst projects Dallas Cowboys land intriguing QB in 2024 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys could find an intriguing fit in their quarterback lineup with a prospect like Michael Pratt.

As per Chris Trapasso’s mock draft on CBS Sports, the Cowboys are anticipated to secure Tulane University’s Michael Pratt with the 87th overall pick in the third round.

Pratt, 22, boasts a commendable four-year stint with the Green Wave, showcasing his prowess as a dual-threat quarterback. Standing tall at 6-foot-3, he exhibited remarkable statistics during the 2022 season alone, throwing for 27 touchdown passes and adding 10 rushing touchdowns to his tally. Throughout his collegiate journey, Pratt accumulated an impressive 90 touchdown passes along with 28 rushing touchdowns.

Despite not possessing blazing speed — he opted out of the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine — Pratt demonstrates effectiveness in finishing runs, particularly evident in his ability to find the end zone through rushing plays.

Derrik Klassen, in his scouting report of Pratt for Bleacher Report, highlights him as an “aggressive passer” with a knack for converting runs, especially in red zone situations or short-yardage plays.

While Trapasso forecasts Pratt’s selection in the third round, Klassen envisions him being chosen in the fifth round as a promising developmental prospect. He draws parallels between Pratt and longtime Cowboys backup quarterback Cooper Rush.

Rush, who joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2017 from Central Michigan — a non-power five school akin to Tulane — has remained with the team as a reliable backup since then. He has notably started six games in his career, securing victories in five out of six instances.

Maurice Moton, in his scouting report of Pratt for Bleacher Report, underscores Pratt’s compensatory strengths, particularly his ability to deliver catchable passes despite lacking elite arm strength. Additionally, Moton suggests Pratt as a prospective replacement for Dak Prescott, considering Prescott’s contract with the Cowboys is entering its final year.

Although the Cowboys express intentions to extend Prescott’s contract, the absence of a finalized extension leaves room for speculation that this could potentially be his last season in Dallas. Coupled with the fact that the Cowboys have yet to progress past the divisional round in Prescott’s eight-year tenure as a starter, the notion of exploring alternative directions gains traction.