Central Michigan: Cooper Rush signs with Dallas Cowboys
By Matt Snyder
The Central Michigan Chippewas didn’t see any players taken in the 2017 NFL Draft but quarterback Cooper Rush signed with the Dallas Cowboys afterward.
Central Michigan quarterback Cooper Rush wasn’t selected in the 2017 NFL Draft, but he signed with the Dallas Cowboys as a free agent after its conclusion.
Rush was a longshot to be selected as a draft choice but there was some possibility that he would be snagged in the seventh round. That didn’t happen but he’ll still get his shot to make it in the NFL with the Cowboys.
Rush expressed his gratitude for the shot with a post on Twitter.
Thank you @dallascowboys for the great opportunity. Can't thank my family, friends, coaches and most of all my teammates! Ready to work!
— Cooper Rush (@rush_cooper) April 29, 2017
Cowboys executive Stephen Jones has all but guaranteed Rush a place as Dallas’ third string quarterback, whether that’s on the active roster or practice squad remains to be seen. Here’s Drew Davison quoting Jones in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
"“He’s got a free shot if he can show up. A free shot at a minimum to the practice squad as a third.”"
Davison notes that the Cowboys have very little depth behind starter Dak Prescot. Former Detroit Lions backup Kellen Moore is the only other quarterback on the roster. Moore has yet to seize his opportunities in the NFL and offers very little upside at this point in his career. There’s no reason for the Cowboys not to give Rush every opportunity to beat Moore out for the second string job.
Rush’s draft profile is similar to that of Moore. He’s noted for being strong in the film room and taking a mental approach to the game, but is knocked on arm strength and overall athleticism.