Is there another Dak Prescott in the 2017 NFL Draft?
Dak Prescott's rookie season won't soon be replicated.
A relative afterthought in the 2016 NFL Draft, the quarterback out of Mississippi State was left until the fourth round when the Dallas Cowboys almost reluctantly plucked him with the 135th overall pick.
He was never expected to start, certainly not in his first season, but injuries to Tony Romo and Kellen Moore pushed Prescott to the front of the line. As options across the league dried up and the rookie progressed during preseason, he was given the keys to the Mercedes and he proceeded to drive the vehicle expertly around all obstacles.
Prescott finished the year with a 13-3 record, the Cowboys in first place in the NFC, and the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in tow.
It was a dream season, and the league isn't likely to get a sense of deja vu in 2017. But if there is another Prescott in this year's draft, here are a number of candidates who could dazzle if given the chance:
Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
Like Prescott, Dobbs was a winner during his collegiate career. He posted a 23-12 career win-loss record and was victorious in all three bowl games he played in.
Also like Prescott, Dobbs set a number of school records, much of them for his rushing ability. Dobbs also joined Prescott and Tim Tebow of Florida as the only SEC quarterbacks to post 15 passing touchdowns and 10 rushing touchdowns in multiple seasons.
Along with the comparative skill set, Dobbs owns a similar build to the Cowboys quarterback. He's projected to go fairly late in the draft and therefore won't be afforded a starting opportunity any time soon. But if the right collection of circumstances transpires, the 6-foot-3 passer could impress if thrust into the spotlight.
Chad Kelly, Ole Miss
The quarterback with the supreme confidence to match that of Prescott's is Chad Kelly. Playing his collegiate career in the same state, Kelly was highly touted and heavily recruited, but his stay in college was marred by scandals.
When he played, he displayed the arm strength and accuracy appropriate of a top draft prospect, highlighted by his 10-3 junior season that culminated in a Sugar Bowl victory.
Kelly did have brushes with the law in college, however, as Prescott did. He's slipped down draft boards due to character concerns and a torn right ACL and meniscus suffered in his senior season. If anyone is to make a seamless transition to the pro game though, count on the nephew of Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly.
C.J. Beathard, Iowa
An underrated winner with experience? That aptly describes Beathard.
A starter his final two years in college, Beathard led Iowa to new heights, just barely missing out on the 2015 College Football Playoff and landing in the Rose Bowl.
He was never asked to be the focal point of the Hawkeyes' offense, as their style of play relied more on defense and possession. He rarely played Iowa out of games, however.
If given the opportunity to start, Beathard won't light up the scoreboard. Yet, like Prescott did relying on a signature offensive line, strong running game, and supreme decision-making, Beathard won't steer a team into trouble if he lands in the right situation.
Brad Kaaya, Miami
Kaaya is projected to be selected smack-dab in the middle of the draft. He may be among the best suited for NFL success, however.
The all-time leading passer in Miami's storied history, Kaaya got three years of starting under his belt before jumping to the pro ranks. His college career would have been even more prosperous if not for a few unfortunate stretches of losses in each of the three seasons. Kaaya did his part, though, throwing for more than 3,000 yards in each year.
He also was the composer of a pro-style offense. Blessed with the size (6-foot-4, 214 pounds) and intelligence of an NFL quarterback, he'll have to convince teams he can produce under pressure.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)