Dallas Cowboys Need Secondary in NFL Draft

COMMENTARY | In 2010, the Dallas Cowboys were a major disappointment. They had some bad luck but also there was some question about the job head coach Wade Phillips was doing. How will the Cowboys do in 2011 and what might their draft picks look like?

I'm using as reference an article by Rob Phillips at the Dallas Cowboys website titled "Wide Open-Draft Series: WR Depth a Need."

Dallas Cowboys 2010 Overview:

The 2010 season was disappointing and ironic. They entered the year with hopes of being the first team in NFL history to play in the Super Bowl at their home field. The year prior, they had been 11-5 and Tony Romo finally earned his first playoff win. The team was young and talented, and with the highly touted addition of Dez Bryant, their offense looked great. Many experts were viewing the Cowboys as the NFC's most dangerous team.

However, the Cowboys soon lost Romo for the season, fell to a 1-7 record, and fired Phillips. Despite strong play from seasoned veteran QB Jon Kitna in Romo's absence, the Cowboys' defense failed and cost them several games. Interim (now full time) head coach Jason Garrett made a strong statement by winning five of his final eight games.

The Good:

Dallas has a lot of talent at the skill positions. Tony Romo is a dark horse; you either love him or you hate him. I'm not a huge fan, but I think he is a quarterback capable of winning a Super Bowl, and in the end that's all that's asked. He's a fantastic improviser, and seems to be at his best when the protection breaks down. He is surrounded by a lot of talent, most of which has yet to be completely realized. Jason Witten is still a great tight end while Roy Williams, Miles Austin, and Dez Bryant will scare and beat any defense on any given day.

The Bad:

The secondary is hurting. In 2010, the Cowboys gave up 33 passing touchdowns. The rushing defense was solid and the rushing game was average, but the defensive and offensive lines need work.

Dallas Cowboys' Draft Outlook:

With two second round picks and a top 10 overall pick, Dallas has a good looking draft. If they manage to get lucky, and they can get Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara; that's the direction they should go. If Amukamara is gone by pick nine, I believe they will go the route of defensive line with a guy like Robert Quinn, J.J. Watt, or Nick Fairley.

As I've written in other articles, I think that the Cowboys are going to make a comeback in 2011. A good draft will help them solidify what I think will be a good team with a very good coach.

A major part of their problem I think was Phillips.

Reference:

Dallas Cowboys' Website, Rob Phillips, "Wide Open-Draft Series: WR Depth a Need"