Dak Prescott NFL Combine, how the Dallas quarterback scored

Add as preferred source on Google

The Dallas Cowboys franchise quarterback has produced one of his best seasons in the white and blue jersey, finishing second in the MVP race.

When you break down the numbers, it can certainly be argued he has just delivered his best season since entering the NFL eight years ago.

Despite a bitter post-season defeat, Dak Prescott led the NFL in touchdown throws and completions at the conclusion of the season.

A rookie masterclass

The fourth-round pick had an excellent rookie season, one of the best in the history of the NFL. He guided the Dallas Cowboys to a 13-3 record which tied the most wins ever for a rookie quarterback. Additionally, Prescott set further rookie records: highest completion percentage (67.85) and highest passer rating (104.9).

There is no doubt that the 2016 rookie massively exceeded pundits, journalists, fans and even his own franchise’s expectations, becoming a key player for the team.

After his appearance at the NFL Combine, Prescott was not envisioned as a franchise leading quarterback.

So what made the scouts have this view?

Little protection in college

Coming off his previous season at Mississippi State, courtesy of a poor offensive line, Dak Prescott endured plenty of blows being sacked or hit late. Due to his muscular frame, the future Cowboy was heavily relied upon in the run game for a quarterback, inevitably taking its toll.

Prescott was certainly not the quickest in the quarterback draft class, which was evident after setting a time of 7.11 seconds in the 3-cone drill.

A 40-yard dash time of 5.79 seconds was not very slow but does not turn coaches’ heads, especially if they are desiring agility and speed.

Overall, three signal callers were selected in the first-round with Jared Goff chosen by the LA Rams, ring winner Carson Wentz selected by the Philadelphia Eagles and Paxton Lynch joining the Denver Broncos. Goff and Wentz were deemed as the top prospects in the draft, highlighted in their selection.

After the Combine was concluded, the future three-time Pro Bowler received an underwhelming grade of 5.9. According to the NFL Combine grading criteria, this score placed Prescott into the ‘Average backup or special-teamer’ potential category.

Unsurprisingly Prescott fell all the way down to pick 135 in round four of the 2016 NFL Draft – a compensatory pick for the Cowboys.

Romo out, Prescott in

The Dallas Cowboys were not in desperate need of a starting QB as they had Tony Romo as their starter. Nevertheless, they selected Prescott as backup quarterback which matched his expected potential.

An injury to Romo led to Prescott leading the franchise as the starter in his rookie season and shocked everyone with his production.

From his ceiling only deemed to be a backup, to then chasing MVP titles and now in the 2023 offseason, Prescott could become the highest paid quarterback, the poorly rated combine prospect just shows that initial ratings count for very little.

Meanwhile of the quarterbacks drafted ahead of him, only Jared Goff is living up to his selection.