Dallas Cowboys 'Sleeper' To Use High Draft Pick on Dak Prescott Replacement, Reports ESPN's Adam Schefter

The 2024 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, meaning the Dallas Cowboys are nearing decision day with their first-round pick. ... and here come the rumors about "America's Team'' using a premium pick to chase a QB.

Dallas, which holds the No. 24 overall pick, has been heavily linked to offensive tackles in the draft's opening round, citing the departure of Tyron Smith, who signed with the New York Jets in free agency.

The Cowboys have a fine spot to address the position - but with highly ranked, early impact players such as Notre Dame's Joe Alt and Penn State's Olu Fashanu, is a trade-up in store?

According to ESPN, the answer should be no.

Dec 30, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones applauds during the Ring of Honor. | Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

"After a remarkably quiet offseason, Cowboys fans might be hoping for a significant trade up in this draft to make a splashy move for a notable player," ESPN writes. "We can never rule anything out with Jerry Jones & Co., but I'm not sure that sort of move is in the cards."

Dallas has a pair of expensive deals to give out to receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons, both of whom could become the highest-paid players at their respective positions.

Then, there's the Dak Prescott dilemma - will the Cowboys part ways with their franchise signal caller after 2024? It's contractually feasible ... and the draft presents an opportunity to add a successor, such as Washington's Michael Penix Jr. or Oregon's Bo Nix. ... or later, Spencer Rattler of South Carolina.

"They also have to work out their future at quarterback, given that Dak Prescott is both due for a raise and can't be franchise-tagged ahead of free agency in 2025," ESPN writes. "Could this be a place where they draft a passer such as Penix or Bo Nix? Maybe."

And here's where the plot thickens, as ESPN's Adam Schefter is labeling Dallas a "sleeper'' to pick a QB high. ... a notion that our own Mike Fisher suggests is an idea surely being floated by the front office in part because it might be true ... and in part because headline-grabbing rumor-making is what the Cowboys front office does, simply enough.

Could Dak’s #Cowboys draft a QB? Maybe. Do Cowboys want that rumor out there? Definitely. pic.twitter.com/zH2nZGytNU
— fishsports ✭ (@fishsports) April 10, 2024

"What are they going to do at quarterback if they lose Dak? That's interesting. And that's why I think the Cowboys might be a sleeper team in the quarterback market during the draft," Schefter said during Tuesday's episode ofNFL Live

Still, Dallas remains favored to pick an offensive tackle - at No. 24, with no trade forecasted.

"The Cowboys probably need to address their offensive line, and while they could trade down, this would be a spot in which they could pursue an immediate starter at left tackle while leaving Tyler Smith at left guard," ESPN writes. "I wouldn't be surprised if Dallas simply stayed put and took a tackle here."

The 2024 NFL Draft takes place April 25-27 in Detroit.