After leading the Big 12 in tackles in 2022 and earning All-American accolades (despite battling injury) a year ago, Stutsman was thought to be a shoo-in to join the 2024 NFL draft. Instead, by returning, the rangy 6-foot-4, 241 has a chance at being the first off-ball linebacker selected next spring. He certainly checks boxes for his playmaking ability, recording 267 tackles, including 28 tackles for loss already.
Outside of CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys haven't really found a dependable pass-game option on the perimeter. That's why I like Stewart as a fit in Dallas. He is a sudden route runner with instant acceleration to threaten defenders in a hurry. The Texas A&M transfer lacks play strength, as only 27 of his 514 receiving yards came after contact last season, and he managed three forced missed tackles over eight games. Even so, the flashes suggest big upside and a potential breakout year.
Dak Prescott is in the final year of his contract, and it looks like he'll play this season without an extension. Ewers was born and raised in the Lone Star State. It was wise for him to return to Austin for more seasoning under coach Steve Sarkisian. Ewers can make throws many QBs can't make, but he'll occasionally miss a layup.
With Xavier Worthy, Adonai Mitchell and Ja'Tavion Sanders now in the NFL, Bond will become Ewers' top target this fall. The Alabama transfer has modest size, but his speed and ball skills make him an exciting weapon.
Dak Prescott is in the final year of his contract, and all indications are that he'll play this season without an extension. While still relatively raw, Ewers has a high ceiling and posted an 85.6 passing grade this past season. Jerry Jones finds his quarterback of the future and keeps Ewers in the Lonestar State, where he was born and raised.
Isaiah Bond has elite speed, and receivers with 4.2 speed don't last very long in the draft. He had a nice sophomore season, catching 48 passes for 668 yards. Look for him to be an even bigger part of the offense this year for the Crimson Tide.
What is this exercise for if not ridiculous hypotheticals? There are myriad obstacles standing in the way of this ever coming to fruition, but perhaps everything here is worth explaining first. While Sanders ranks higher for some others and could end up going earlier, he still has to process quicker and figure out a way not to invite so many sacks (49 taken last year). While there's plenty of time for Dak Prescott to iron out an agreement to stay in Dallas for the foreseeable future, the eight-year veteran hasn't engaged in any contract talks yet and can force his way onto the free-agent market — where he'd be sure to command an astronomical payday — thanks to his deal's no-tag clause. If the nightmare scenario somehow materializes for Jerry Jones, having Sanders take the reins to the Cowboys' attack would be a fascinating possibility — and one sure to be approved by Coach Prime.
Milroe is one of the best athletes in this class, and if he continues to make the same strides in 2024 that we saw over the second half of the 2023 campaign, he could find his way into the first round.
