The 2006 Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Preview

Head Coach: Bill Parcells

Strengths: Wide Receiver, Running Back

Needs: Offensive line, Cornerback, Linebacker, Defensive line

After a 9-7 season in 2005, the Cowboys have been recharged not only by the signing of free agent Terrell Owens, but by a commitment from Coach Bill Parcells to stay with the team. Despite the positives, some negatives still hang out there, including the stability of the defense. The Cowboys played themselves out of a playoff spot last year by giving up big plays and allowing teams to come back on them. Look for the Cowboys to target the defense in the draft.

The Cowboys have the 18th pick in the first round. At that point in the draft, several defensive players may have already been taken or have fallen, so there are several options. Linebackers Chad Greenway of Minnesota or Demeco Ryans of Alabama may be available, which will fill a need in the 3-4 defense. Antonio Cromartie, a standout corner for Florida State, could be the answer to stop the long bombs the Cowboys gave up all last year. The defensive line could make life much easier for the rest of the defense, so defensive ends Manny Lawson of North Carolina State or Kamerion Wimberly of Florida State may be chosen. No need for the Cowboys to worry about the safety position: with Roy Williams in place, the 'Boys resigned Keith Davis and signed free agent Marcus Coleman. That means the Cowboys may wait for later rounds to pick up a safety.

The Cowboys struggled with the offensive line last season, which was at times serviceable and, at other times, a slice of Swiss cheese. Gone are Larry Allen, who was on the decline anyway, and Torrin Tucker, whom the Cowboys could not match a free agent offer for. With the 17th pick in the second round (49th overall), the Cowboys should go after an offensive lineman. Guard Max Jean Giles of Georgia may have slipped to this point, but it is doubtful. A more realistic scenario is picking up Taitusi Lutui of USC or Charles Spencer of Pittsburgh. At tackle, Jonathon Scott of Texas may be a smart choice. He's big, fast, and strong, and fans would love to see someone form the national championship team on the roster. Daryn Colledge of Boise State is also a possibility to anchor the line. He has the stuff to be a long-time Cowboy, but with this being such a strong year for tackles, these guys may be targeted early by some teams.

If the Cowboys get a decent offensive lineman early in the draft, expect the middle round picks to shore up the defense. Linebackers will be the key need, followed by the line. In the later rounds, the Cowboys may move back to offense, again probably on the line. Yes, quarterback is always a concern. Drew Bledsoe did a better than expected job considering the o-line was suspect. However, it would be a waste to draft a quarterback this year after the first round, so the Cowboys may take their chances and hope for a free agent signing or a young disgruntled QB to demand a trade to find their field general for the future.

The Cowboys already have the strong leads: Julius Jones, Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn, and Jason Witten on the offense, and Roy Williams, Terence Newman, and DeMarcus Ware on defense. With a stronger supporting cast, the Cowboys could not only find themselves back in the playoffs, but in contention for the tough NFC East title.