ESPN Analyst Urges Cowboys to Draft QB with Dak Prescott-Like Traits

Analyst sees Miami's Carson Beck as a strong QB2 fit for Dallas amid uncertainty behind Prescott.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:37pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a quarterback in motion, with sharp planes of blue, silver, and gold overlapping to capture the energy and complexity of the position.A cubist interpretation of a quarterback's dynamic movements on the field, reflecting the Cowboys' search for a reliable backup to star QB Dak Prescott.Dallas Today

An ESPN analyst is recommending the Dallas Cowboys consider drafting Miami quarterback Carson Beck in the upcoming NFL Draft. The analyst believes Beck's playing style and experience could make him an ideal backup option for star QB Dak Prescott, citing Beck's rhythm and decisiveness in the pocket as traits similar to Prescott's. With the Cowboys' current QB2 situation unsettled, the analyst suggests Beck could be a low-risk, high-reward addition for Dallas as they look to develop a reliable backup behind their franchise quarterback.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' backup quarterback position has been a point of concern, with neither of their current options - Sam Howell and Joe Milton III - inspiring much confidence. Drafting a QB with Prescott-like attributes could provide Dallas with a more seamless transition should Prescott miss any time, allowing the offense to continue operating at a high level.

The details

ESPN analyst Ben Solak has suggested the Cowboys could target Carson Beck, Miami's quarterback, in the fifth round of the upcoming NFL Draft. Solak believes Beck's playing style, which emphasizes rhythm, decisiveness, and precision in the pocket, is similar to Prescott's strengths when he is at his best. Solak also noted Beck's experience and big-game exposure from leading Miami to the national championship game last season, as well as his impressive career totals of 96 total touchdowns.

  • In the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Dak Prescott

The Dallas Cowboys' star quarterback and franchise player.

Carson Beck

A quarterback prospect from the University of Miami who is projected to be drafted in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft.

Sam Howell

A quarterback currently on the Cowboys' roster, competing for the backup QB job behind Prescott.

Joe Milton III

A quarterback currently on the Cowboys' roster, competing for the backup QB job behind Prescott.

Ben Solak

An ESPN analyst who has suggested the Cowboys should consider drafting Carson Beck as a potential QB2 option.

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What they’re saying

“When kept clean, Beck plays well within himself. He throws with anticipation and decisiveness, and he can flash high-caliber precision to pull receivers away from coverage when working between the numbers.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

“Beck has maturity and big-game experience, and the Cowboys' past couple of forays into QB2 development have been heavily indexed on traits (Milton, Trey Lance) — it's time to zag back to the Cooper Rush side of the aisle.”

— Ben Solak, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Cowboys will have the opportunity to evaluate Carson Beck and other quarterback prospects during the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 2026.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' backup quarterback situation remains unsettled, and drafting a player like Carson Beck, who shares similar traits to star QB Dak Prescott, could provide Dallas with a low-risk, high-reward option to develop as a reliable QB2 behind their franchise quarterback.