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From left to right: Christian Hackenberg, Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch, Jared Goff, Connor Cook.

Although most signs suggest the Cowboys won’t select a quarterback with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft, it’s a position that should be seriously considered.

Dallas needs to start identifying its quarterback of the future and they should draft one at some point next month.

Now, this isn’t a great QB class. There are some solid options, but it’s filled with players who probably need a year or two to adjust to the NFL game.

The most likely scenario is that Dallas grabs a QB in the second, third or fourth round to develop over the next few seasons behind Tony Romo.

1.) Jared Goff, California. It has become a toss up between Goff and Carson Wentz for this draft’s top quarterback spot. Goff played well against Pac-12 competition, but did so in an uptempo offense that is unlike what most NFL teams run. The 6-4, 210-pound junior threw for 4,719 yards, 43 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this past season.

Expert: “Jared Goff is a very intriguing prospect for me. When I look at tape, I see a guy who has incredible ability in the pocket. The guy has amazing pocket movement, and that’s an attribute you have to have at the NFL level. My only concern is that he’s had very little experience under center. He’s been a gun quarterback, he’s been an air-raids-system quarterback. Yeah, he can make all the throws: short, intermediate, deep. But I always wonder about guys that play in that style of offense, in the gun, their ability to read defenses properly. That’s the question mark I have on Goff.” — Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Ron Jaworski. 

2.) Carson Wentz, North Dakota State. Wentz’s stock continues to rise after a strong showing at his pro day last week. Although the 6-6, 235-pound senior hasn’t faced the FBS competition others on this list have, scouts don’t seem to be worried about his ability to transition.

Expert: “From an athletic perspective, I’ve said before I think he’s as good upside as Andrew Luck. I really believe that. Now, what I’m finding out while I’m here in Fargo is that everybody believes in this kid off the field. They believe in his work ethic. The quarterback coach told me he’s going to be the first guy in the gym every day, the last guy to leave; he inhales tape, he does all of the pass protection work, and when you compare that to other college guys coming out of spread systems, even though he’s a I-AA quarterback he’s ahead of the curve from that perspective.” — NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock.

3.) Paxton Lynch, Memphis. The Cowboys got a chance to put Lynch through a private workout last week in Orlando. Lynch didn’t have many offers coming out of high school but evolved into a great fit for Memphis’ uptempo offense. Biggest win while at Memphis: The Tigers upset Ole Miss, 37-24, last season as Lynch passed for 384 yards, 3 TDs and 1 INT.

Expert: “While I still believe he’s an intriguing prospect with potential, I see him as a developmental prospect who will need time to grow into the position. If I had to compare him to a current pro, I would cite Ryan Tannehill as an apt comparison. Lynch can function at a high level in executing concepts that are similar to the tactics he runs at Memphis, but he will need time to transition to a pro playbook.” – NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks

4.) Connor Cook, Michigan State. A three-year starter in a pro-style system, Cook (6-4, 215) had nearly identical numbers the previous two seasons. In 2015, he led the Spartans to the College Football Playoff, throwing for 3,131 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Expert: “The most polarizing guy in the draft is going to be Connor Cook. Watch. Scouts argue about him all the time. We’ve seen him long enough that everyone’s mind is made up already. He’s a third-rounder to me and an average starter at best.” – NFC regional scout last month, via NFL.com

5.) Christian Hackenberg, Penn State. He had his best season during his one year playing under Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien. During that freshman season, Hackenberg (6-4, 230) threw for 2,955 yards, 20 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. During the two seasons since, he combined to throw 28 TDs and 21 INTs.

Expert: “Although he has special arm talent, the tape shows flawed decision-making, poor pocket awareness and streaky accuracy due to unstable mechanics. There is no question that Hackenberg will benefit from NFL coaching, but the game still moves at light speed for him and hasn’t shown signs of slowing down – is he already damaged goods? … Overall, the physical traits and arm strength are ideal for the NFL, but Hackenberg doesn’t show a natural feel for the game and lacks a strong grasp in three critical areas of playing the position: touch, placement and decision-making.” – NFLDraftScout.com’s Dane Brugler 

Next 5 (in alphabetical order):

Jacoby Brissett, North Carolina State

Kevin Hogan, Stanford

Cardale Jones, Ohio State

Cody Kessler, USC

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State (most likely to be drafted by the Cowboys of the “Next 5.”)