Dallas Cowboys Mock: All-In on Drafting Dak Prescott Successor Michael Penix Jr?

Dak Prescott's contract situation with the Dallas Cowboys is delicately poised, but in CBS Sports' latest mock draft, the final nail to Dak's time in Dallas comes in the first round.

The offseason for the Dallas Cowboys thus far has been underwhelming to say the least, with the franchise sitting on its hands as any attempts to make the roster better haven't been seen. In addition to that, the "lame duck" situation with coach Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott is all building toward a perfect storm in 2024.

With Prescott's future with the organization murky at best right now, along with McCarthy and several other stars set to be out of contract after the 2024 season, the thought that the organization is set to "blow it up" in 2025 which was first brought up by our own Mike Fisher, feels like a distinct possibility.

But is there a saving grace in the upcoming NFL Draft? Dallas holds the No. 24 selection and the thought is that taking an offensive lineman is the avenue the team goes down with Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz both leaving in free agency.

But what if the Cowboys put the final nail in Dak's time as a Cowboy by drafting his successor while fighting for his career in 2024? In CBS Sports' latest mock draft, that is precisely what Dallas does, with Washington's Michael Penix Jr. coming to The Star.

"This feels like the last season for Dak Prescott as the Cowboys starter, and while Penix isn't necessarily a quarterback who needs a redshirt year, he'll likely get one in 2024," CBS Sports writes. "The upside is there -- even though he's an older prospect -- because of his big-time throw capabilities. Taking a swing at this game's most vital position is probably not the worst idea for the Cowboys now."

One can only imagine the media storm and headlines that would follow should the Cowboys draft Penix Jr. in the first round. With so many other needs that take priority over Dak's successor, at least this year anyway, it would be a clear message that Prescott's final year as a Cowboy is approaching.

Penix Jr. threw for 4,903 yards, 36 touchdowns and just 11 interceptions as he led Washington to an undefeated regular season, a Pac-12 Championship and a Sugar Bowl win before losing to Michigan in the National Championship game.

Jan 8, 2024; Houston, TX, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. (9) passes in the / Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

With Prescott under contract, Penix Jr. would likely sit for a year before taking over from Dak in 2025, which, coincidently, would also be the year that several veteran stars in Zack Martin, Brandin Cooks, DeMarcus Lawrence, Osa Odighizuwa, and KaVontae Turpin all come out of contract.

Given that the Cowboys were thought to have a Super Bowl-caliber roster in 2023, so to see the direction the organization is going during the offseason is certainly odd.

With so much unknown surrounding the franchise heading into 2024 and beyond, fans will know exactly what the organization's plans are if Penix Jr. is taken in the first round.

The Cowboys blowing it up and restarting in 2025 has never felt more real...especially if this mock draft selection comes to fruition.