NFL Draft Preview: Dallas Cowboys Draft Board

Dallas had the NFL's second ranked offense in 2009 and used it to win the NFC East and propel themselves into the playoffs. However, there are some glaring problems in Dallas and they start with a powerful offensive line in 2009 that might be just one season too old in 2010. There's no denying how great a contributor Flozell Adams has been in Dallas during his 12 year career. A perennial Pro-Bowl left tackle, he was a dominant force in Dallas having the 7^th ranked rushing attack in the NFL. However, he's 34 years old and when you become that old, along the offensive line, it's highly likely you're that much closer to injury. Old players get injured. It's that simple. Dallas offensive line is getting older by the day. Right Tackle Marc Colombo, a former first round pick of Chicago, has done an admirable job opposite Adams, and right guard Leonard Davis and left guard Kyle Kosier have been solid, if not spectacular. However all of them are over 31 and youth needs to be emphasized in this year's draft. That rush offense can improve or can get worse.

Dallas strategy: Dallas has to find an eventual replacement for Flozell Adams, and it seems likely they'll go after an offensive tackle with their first round pick. However, it isn't an absolute must to get an offensive tackle as it is a solid guard opposite Leonard Davis. Therefore, we have to assume that both the guard and tackle position is essential for Dallas within the first two rounds. These are the likely candidates that Dallas could pursue. We've provided the top 2 possible picks for Dallas for each position, taking into consideration who would already be chosen when Dallas picks 27^th.

1^st Round Pick: #27 - offensive tackles or offensive guards

2^nd Round Pick: #59 - offensive tackles or offensive guards

#1 Trent Williams: Offensive Tackle Oklahoma

6 feet 5 inches 318 lbs

It's guaranteed that Russell Okung won't be available when Dallas picks 27^th. However, there are other offensive tackles available in the draft and Trent Williams is one of them. Williams is big, has good lateral movement, is able to play well on both run blocking and pass protection, and might even have more muscle that Russell Okung himself. One of the knocks on Williams is that he isn't a natural knee bender and because of this, can often get caught on his heels where defensive linemen can then push up field. He gets off the line of scrimmage well, is fast, and locks onto defenders in run blocking, but in pass protection he tends to allow defenders in to close where they can pivot and swing out of his range. Regardless of this, Williams is a big man and is considered by many to be the second best offensive tackle available in the draft.

#2 Bruce Campbell: Offensive Tackle Maryland

6 feet 7 inches 310 lbs

Campbell is a beast playing on a bad team. He recently decided to forego his senior season and it's likely a good decision. Being a great player on a bad team doesn't allow you to make too big of a name for yourself year in, year out. Campbell is very tall, very strong, and very fast. His reach is phenomenal, and his ability to play off of defenders allows him to excel in both run and pass blocking. The only issue with Dallas being able to secure Campbell is that the Redskins themselves need to address their offensive line and pick 4^th. With a player coming from their own backyard, it might be an ideal pick for a local product on the Redskin squad. Stephon Heyer is a local Maryland product on the Redskins offensive line. However, it seems likely that the redskins will go an alternate route than to draft Campbell.

#1 Mike Iupati: Offensive Guard Idaho
6 feet 4 inches 325 lbs

It appears as if Dallas may be high on Mike Iupati of Idaho. He's just the kind of offensive guard that could become a valuable replacement to Leonard Davis or a compliment to Davis on the opposite end. Mike dominated in a relatively weak division. However, that shouldn't distract from his natural abilities. He's big, strong, good in both run and pass protection, and does an excellent job of keeping his shoulder square and legs firmly planted. He has the ability to stand his ground, pivot well, and come back into position in pass protection.

#2 Mike Johnson - Offensive Guard Alabama Crimson Tide
6 feet 6 inches 310 lbs

Playing on the NCAA Champion Alabama Crimson Tide's offensive line was Mike Johnson who turned in one dominant start after another. Johnson has played both guard and tackle positions during his NCAA career, and this makes him a good insurance policy for Dallas if they need a flexible offensive lineman who can move along the line and fill holes. He's big, strong, quick and has good lateral movement that will make him a valuable prospect in both zone blocking schemes and a straight ahead power running game. If Iupati isn't available, then Mike Johnson would be a reasonable replacement.

3^rd Round Pick: #90 Safety

Dallas isn't especially happy with Safety Ken Hamlin's play and will likely look to shore up their secondary in the draft. Hamlin registered 52 tackles in 2009 but didn't have a single interception, or a single sack. In fact, his yearly totals over the last couple of years on interceptions has been consistently declining. It might be hard to get a top tier safety in the third round, but there are some valuable prospects.

#1 Major Wright: Florida
6 feet 205 lbs

Major Wright just happens to be one of those "under the radar" players that could turn out to be a valuable pick for Dallas at Safety. Somewhat of an unknown when it comes to discussing Safety prospects for this year's draft, Wright is a solid contributor in Florida and has been his entire NCAA career. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in speed and agility. He will need the lbs to make it work in the NFL, but he has the natural ability to succeed at the position.

#2 Reshad Jones: Georgia
6 feet 2 inches 207 lbs

Reshad has the height that Wright lacks and is just as fast, if not a little faster. He's been clocked running a 4.5, 40 yard dash and is solid in both run support and pass defense. Jones is kind of the forgotten man when it comes to discussing safeties, especially in a draft that includes Taylor Mays, Eric Berry, and Earl Thomas. However, he might just be that much needed replacement for Ken Hamlin. At the very least, he'll be able to provide ample competition at the position.

4^th and 5^th Rounds: Wide Receiver

Dallas needs to improve their receiving corps. There's nothing at all wrong with Miles Austin, he's a solid wide receiving threat, and looks to become a consistent Pro-Bowler. However, he can't do it alone and needs a complimentary receiver to take the heat off him. Both Roy Williams and Patrick Crayton aren't the solution and indeed William's has been a bust from the day Dallas traded for him. 38 receptions for 596 yards is abysmal. The Cowboys need to shore up their receiving corps and find a viable slot receiver and opposite wide receiver to compliment Austin's natural abilities. Interesting choices might be the following:

#1 Jacoby Ford: Clemson

5 feet 9 inches 181 lbs

Ford is certainly small but extremely fast. He looks to be in the mold of New England's Wes Welker. Ford has run a 4.34, 40 yard dash and looks able to use that speed over the middle. His 2009 totals were respectable with 56 receptions for 779 yards and 6 touchdowns. The only real question is his size and durability. Someone that small is prone to getting banged up. He looks to be available in the 4^th or even 5^th round of the draft.

#2 Marcus Easley: Connecticut

6 feet 2 inches 216 lbs

Easley has the size and the frame to excel, and seems a lot like Miles Austin in that both are, and were, relative unknowns. Easley himself was a walk-on at Connecticut and turned that opportunity into a solid 2009 season with 48 catches for 893 yards and 8 touchdowns.

Dallas certainly found their primary receiver in Miles Austin and might look to players like Marcus Easley as a complimentary weapon. Williams and Crayton just don't seem to be working out and Dallas will likely draft a wide receiver in the later rounds of the 2010 NFL draft.