When was the last time the Dallas Cowboys used a high-round draft pick on a quarterback? One might strain their brain trying to remember. However, all of a sudden the Cowboys are being linked more and more to Johnny Manziel, the in-state draft star. Manziel loves the idea of staying in Texas. Jerry Jones loves the idea of a hot-ticket quarterback joining the roster to help put butts in seats. So just how serious are the Cowboys about the idea of trading up to get the potential No. 1 draft pick?
Manziel could easily go No. 1 to the Houston Texans. The team is deciding between Manziel, Blake Bortles, Jadeveon Clowney and Khalil Mack. If Manziel is not the selected pick, how fast does Jones attempt to jump up and get the quarterback? According to ESPN.com, if Manziel drops below the first two picks, the Cowboys are serious contenders to jump from No. 16 to grab him.
"I can say this, he's going to be the guy everyone wants to see. I've heard this rumor for a month-the Cowboys will figure out a way to get Manziel," Jim Nantz said, via ESPN.com.
The Cowboys have Tony Romo locked into a long-term deal. However, the quarterback is coming off two seasons of injuries. He recently underwent back surgery during the offseason. His age dictates that he is on the downslide of his career. Behind him is newly acquired Brandon Weeden who joined after being released from the Cleveland Browns. The former first-round draft pick is not exactly young either. He was the oldest player in his draft class and does not scream franchise player. Kyle Orton and Chad Henie are also on the roster but again, they are not franchise stars.
Are Manziel and the Cowboys a perfect fit? Yes. Manziel is a high-profile player and someone Jones would love to get his hands on. Are the chances high that Dallas will make the moves to get him. No. Dallas would have to give up a lot of draft picks in order to get Manziel and considering they were not able to sign an abundance of free agents thanks to salary cap restraints, they must set their focus elsewhere.
Do not put anything past Jones. He has made trades in the past. Manziel is the hometown star who would make a big splash for Dallas and could spend a season developing under Romo. Time will tell if they are willing to give up a lot for a player who will spend next season as a backup.