The season's over for the 8-8 Cowboys so now is a perfect time to track down the latest 2012 mock draft projections. The season finale loss to the New York Giants was a good indicator of where the Cowboys need their biggest upgrades, and that's on the offensive and defensive lines and, most importantly, the defensive backfield.
Judging by this latest roundup, the mock draft experts see the same shortcomings.
Here are five educated guesses at what the Cowboys might do with the 14th overall pick.
FOXSports.com's Peter Schrager
Pick: Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama.
Thoughts: "After seeing opposing offenses torch the Cowboys defensive backfield all season, Dallas fans would be more than fine seeing the 'Boys front office brass take a cornerback in the first round. Jenkins was dismissed from the team by Will Muschamp at Florida a year ago, but had a dominant season for Terry Bowden down at North Alabama in 2011. He's considered a bit of a gamble because of the off-the-field stuff, but a premier talent at the position. The Cowboys have never been scared of "character" guys and won't shy away from adding Jenkins to their depleted defensive backfield."
Wes Bunting (NFLFootballPost.com)
Pick: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford.
Thoughts: "The idea of drafting an athlete like DeCastro and potentially playing him next to 2011 first-round pick Tyron Smith at left tackle has to sound mighty intriguing."
Ryan Van Bibber – SBNation.com
Pick: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska.
Thoughts: "Did anyone else see Terence Newman play on Sunday night?"
WalterFootball.com
Pick: DeCastro.
Thoughts: "The Cowboys have major issues on the interior of their offensive line. Left guard Derrick Dockery is a free agent after missing most of 2011 with a knee injury. Center Phil Costa sucks. Right guard Montrae Holland, meanwhile, can't really be relied upon.
"David DeCastro is one of the top interior linemen prospects to come along in years, and he's the highest-ranked prospect on the board. This is a perfect match."
NFLMocks.com
Pick: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin.
Thoughts: "The Cowboys need a new center, plain and simple. Konz is the best center in this class if he declares, and should be an immediate impact player for Dallas."
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