Dak Prescott excited about new direction of Dallas Cowboys, scouting WRs ahead of draft

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott admittedly took some time away after a tumultuous 2022 season to recover and recharge.

He led the Cowboys to the playoffs for the fourth time, but a season that saw him lead the league with a league-high 15 interceptions in 12 games ended with another bitter loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs.

Prescott spoke Friday night just before serving as one of the honorary chairs for the Children’s Cancer Fund “Light It Up” Gala in Dallas, along with Hall of Fame Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman. The event raised $2 million, event officials said.

“The end of the season was tough, for sure,” Prescott said. “And I took a break off at the end of the season ... just everything that you put into a season and then obviously it turned out the way it did. It was different season for me personally, so yeah took the time off but then got back at it.”

Prescott got back at it in March and is feeling good again.

But he does acknowledge some initial trepidation before the official start of the team’s off season program amid all the staff changes and the absence of running back Ezekiel Elliott, who was released.

It was the first time Prescott had been involved in a team function without Elliot, who he counts as his best friend.

“I’m not going to lie to you, it was tough going in Day 1. Not just because of Zeke, but a bunch of coaching changes,” Prescott said. “I can’t say it was tough, it was interesting. ‘How’s this going to feel? What’s this going to be like?’ When I left, it was amazing, honestly.

It was change, but it was a sense of positive change and excitement for me. I’m an optimistic guy and always have been — you guys know that. I guess going into there, I couldn’t tell if the glass was half-full or half-empty. And then I leave, it was definitely half full. I’m excited about the direction we’re going. But it was tough.”

Prescott said he’s excited to develop a relationship with new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. While coach Mike McCarthy will call plays, Schottenheimer will replace departed offensive coordinator Kellen Moore as Prescott’s sounding board in the quarterback room.

“Obviously, he’s got a history of being a great ball coach and he’s a guy’s guy,” Prescott said. “I’m excited for the direction we’re headed in and what he’s gonna bring.”

Prescott also feels good that the Cowboys are continuing to view him as a viable part of the organization and will again include his input in the draft process.

Prescott said he will help scout some of the wide receivers and possibly make some phone calls to a few prospects heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday and runs through Saturday.

A year ago, Prescott famously reached out to a few receivers before the 2022 NFL Draft, including Jalen Tolbert, who was drafted in the third round.

“I’m going to do a little bit like last year,” Prescott said. “A couple of receivers, I have their tape. May give them a call. And maybe we take them, maybe we don’t. But it does feel good even to have an input and to know it is listened to.”

As far as receivers are concerned, Prescott has already been conducting regular throwing sessions on the football field he built at his house.

Young receivers like Tolbert, Dennis Houston, Simi Fehoko and KaVontae Turpin have all been part of the action, as well as newly-acquired veteran Brandin Cooks.

Prescott has already been impressed with the speedy Cooks, who came via trade from the Houston Texans in March.

“He’s a real pro,” Prescott said. “I think the best think he’s going to bring is for the young guys. Even in the first week, it’s not talking about routes, but literally standing in front of guys, coaching on routes.”

Prescott said it’s easy to tell that he’s worked with veteran quarterbacks in the past like Tom Brady and Drew Brees because of ”the questions that he has.”

Elliott, who has still not landed with a new team, has been a part of the throwing sessions, too.

“He’s my best friend, hell yeah I’m throwing with him,” Prescott.

Prescott said Elliott’s “mindset is getting better and he’s working his tail off.”

He doesn’t talk to Elliott about his free agent opportunities, but said he would be frustrated about the process.

“I would be,“ Prescott said. “But I have never mentioned it to him.”

Elliott was an escort at the Children’s Cancer Fund Gala Friday night, but he declined to be interviewed about his release from the Cowboys and his future, offering only, “I’m doing great, doing great.”