2011 NFL Draft: Why Ryan Mallett Could Be a Fit for the Dallas Cowboys

I watched some highlights of the Arkansas pro day today—or, more accurately, I watched highlights of Ryan Mallett's pro day.

Sure, there were some other prospects like D.J. Williams there, but Mallett was the main attraction.

It's reported that the quarterback came off as very defensive when asked certain things during his combine interviews. Specifically, there have been reports of some drug use during his college career. Team's don't disclose their interviews so I'm not sure how he answered such questions.

Still, I'm sure we all know how rigid the NCAA is about almost everything, so if it was a huge problem you can be sure there would have been a full investigation. I don't think you become a star quarterback for an SEC team by doping it up every day.

The point is, he has some red flags. I've even heard reports that some teams have dropped him off their boards entirely.

It seems like we've heard this kind of thing before, though. Wasn't it last year that everyone said that Dez Bryant was not worth the risk? Didn't they all knock his intelligence and talk about how he would lie and be late to practice every day?

Now, obviously, the drug allegations are a little more serious than habitual tardiness, but it amounts to the same thing. I think, every year, draft gurus and analysts need someone to throw under the bus. If the Cowboys do their homework, as they did with Dez Bryant, and he checks out, why not take a chance on him?

His draft status has fallen recently, and he could be picked up as low as the fourth round according to some media outlets. I think he is worth at least a fourth round pick.

He nailed his pro day. He hit deep passes with regularity and showed a very quick release. I heard comparisons to Fouts and Marino afterwards. Granted, it was all scripted to make him look good, but believe me when I say he can make all the throws.

In the end, it all has to be about risk vs. reward. If his character and work ethic check out, there is no reason not to give him a shot. He may not be as athletic as Cam Newton or Jake Locker, but he is very accurate. His deep ball is all there and he puts an excellent touch on the ball. He also has the arm strength to sling the ball into tight windows.

Now, I know Tony Romo probably has several good years left, but he isn't getting any younger. I'm not totally sold on McGee, either. He showed some good things in the last two games of the season, but he still has a way to go to be a top NFL quarterback.

I know that nobody wants to see the Cowboys struggle without a franchise quarterback again, like they had to after Aikman retired. It makes sense to take a guy with a ton of upside and sit him behind Romo for several seasons.

Jerry Jones is an Arkansas man himself, so if Mallett does fall into the third or fourth round, I wouldn't be surprised to see him pick up his quarterback of the future.