By Rob Phillips

IRVING, Texas – Senior Bowl week has arrived, and there seems to be an extra buzz this January as the Cowboys embark on one of the most anticipated draft seasons in recent franchise history.

Well, here’s why:

The Cowboys are coaching in Mobile for the first time in 51 years.

They have their highest draft position (fourth overall) in 25 years.

For the first time since that relatively brief post-Aikman/pre-Romo era in the early 2000s, quarterback is a much-speculated potential draft target – if not at No. 4, then perhaps sometime on draft weekend.

And, of course, this week they’ll get a close look at four quarterback prospects on their North roster, including North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz, whom many experts believe is a first- to second-round talent.

Because it is the game’s most important position, and because the Dallas Cowboys have a rich history there, quarterback talk is always excellent pre-draft watercooler fodder.

Personally, I’m on record saying the Cowboys will have plenty of other needs beyond backup quarterback with the fourth pick in the draft, though free agency in March should paint a better picture of their roster status by late April.