It’s been widely speculated that the Cowboys may be looking at a quarterback in the late rounds of this weekend’s draft. While Dak Prescott’s starting job obviously isn’t in danger, it remains a passer-driven league; constantly re-stocking the shelves at the position helps ensure that the offense is in the best hands possible in case of emergency. And a little camp competition for the QB2 and QB3 roster spots is always a good thing.
A few names seem to keep popping up who may fit the bill for Dallas in 2023. Georgia’s Stetson Bennett, UCLA’s Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell might be guys to watch, while prospects Clayton Tune of Houston and Max Duggan of TCU would likely create some extra buzz among in-state fans.
But is the best young quarterback option already playing pro ball?
Ben DiNucci last played for the Cowboys in the 2022 preseason. Himself a former seventh-round draft choice, he was one of the final roster cuts of that summer, waived in favor of Will Grier, who took over the third-stringer’s role in Dallas.
Since then, DiNucci’s thrown for over 2,600 yards in 10 games to finish as the XFL’s regular-season passing leader. On Sunday, he tossed three touchdowns and ran for another to put the Seattle Sea Dragons in that league’s postseason. The XFL ride isn’t over yet for DiNucci, but he’ll be eligible to sign with an NFL squad as soon as Seattle’s playoff runs ends.
BEN DINUCCI AND JUWAN GREEN DANCIN’ ON ‘EM‼️@XFL2023 | @XFLSeaDragons pic.twitter.com/vEv95NWTMX
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) April 24, 2023
Given his performance over the first season of the revamped league, it’s almost certain he’ll get the opportunity.
For Dallas, the question is about who presents more upside: a college kid coming in and learning everything for the first time, or someone who has already spent the past three offseasons and two full campaigns with the club and even started a primetime game?
Is it better to hope for lightning in a bottle? Or look at DiNucci’s XFL stint as part of his overall growth, a valuable side gig that could pay dividends within a longer-term Cowboys experiment?
True, DiNucci went just 21-of-40 in his only Cowboys start, a forgettable 23-9 loss in Philadelphia on a Sunday night as a wide-eyed rookie.
“I feel like that wasn’t me out there,” he said a few months later.
He didn’t start again for Dallas, and his opportunities were limited to preseason contests. But even after…
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