By JON MACHOTA
FOXSportsSouthwest.com Special Contributor
Feb. 23, 2011
The Cowboys can go in several directions with their first round pick in April's NFL Draft. Having the No. 9 overall pick should allow the franchise to grab an immediate starter.
Between the local radio chatter and fan opinion on blogs would allow many to believe the fan base would like the Cowboys to draft a defensive player. Allowing more points than any other NFC team last season tends to have that affect.
But what do the experts think? Here is a compilation of 10 mock drafts recently gathered around the World Wide Web. The experts have included their pick and reason why the Cowboys should go in that direction.
FOXSports.com:
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: "To be certain, a host of second- and third-tier quarterbacks like David Garrard, Rex Grossman and Shaun Hill lit up the Cowboys in 2010. Cornerback and safety are the most pressing needs on the roster, and I think Dallas goes with a defensive back over an offensive tackle with this pick. Though he didn't rack up the interceptions in 2010, Amukamara lived up to the hype: He was an All-American, Big 12 defensive player of the year and Jim Thorpe Award finalist. He'd be a welcomed addition to Rob Ryan's unit."
CBSSports.com's Rob Rang:
Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska: "The offensive line might be a greater area of concern for the Cowboys, but with no offensive tackle in this class worthy of a top-10 selection, Dallas would be forced to look elsewhere. Mike Jenkins has great talent, but suffered through a sophomore slump in 2010 after flashing as a rookie. Veteran Terence Newman remains an adequate starter, but in a division blessed with the skilled receivers the NFC East boasts, the Cowboys would be wise to upgrade with Amukamara, who entered the year as the top-rated senior prospect in the country and did little to change that status with an All-American season."
CBSSports.com's Chad Reuter:
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: "New defensive coordinator Rob Ryan would love to add the strong and quick Dareus to his aggressive front three."
AOL Fanhouse:
J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin: "The Cowboys have multiple free agents at the defensive end position scheduled to leave this off-season, and since the organization has always placed a premium on building a strong front seven on defense, it makes sense to bring in Watt, who could be the best 3-4 end in this draft."
SI.com's Don Banks:
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: "Cornerback makes the top of the need list in Dallas, but the two top 10 prospects are already gone. Dareus would offer great value at No. 9, and he's a proven talent who thrived in Nick Saban's 3-4 defense at Alabama. He'd likely play at end in the NFL, and his knack for penetrating and making things happen in the backfield would no doubt help the Cowboys' pass defense by increasing the pass pressure up front."
NewNFLDraft.com:
Tyron Smith, OT, USC: "This is a bold pick because a lot of people don't even have Tyron Smith as the top offensive tackle in this 2011 NFL Mock Draft. However, Tyron Smith has put on some good weight and he is now over 300 lbs. I believe that he will be a Top 15 pick and the top offensive tackle off the board because I believe he is the most athletic tackle in this draft. Trent Williams came into the combine being a mid to late prospect much like Tyron Smith and he ended up being a Top 10 prospect much like I think what will happen with Tyron Smith."
NFLMocks.com:
Cameron Jordan, DE, California: "I think a very likely pick is also OL Tyron Smith or Nate Solder if available. Offensive linemen are ALWAYS over-drafted because they provide exceptional positional value. I think, though that one of these two will come off the board before this spot, especially if Smith gains a little weight and impresses at the combine (which is very possible). Jordan dominated the Senior Bowl and would be an instant upgrade at DE for the Cowboys with his versatility and impressive tape."
NewSportDraft.com:
JJ Watt, DE/DT, Ohio State: "This is a very deep draft class for 3-4 defensive ends. The Cowboys probably could use a top tier tackle with this 2011 NFL Mock Draft pick such as Nate Solder or Tyron Smith. However, for a tackle I see this pick a bit of a reach and I don't believe this will be the best option for them in the Top 10 picks of this draft. Other options in this 2011 NFL Draft are 3-4 defensive ends such as Cameron Jordan and Cameron Heyward. Another good option with this pick would be a player such as Robert Quinn, Von Miller, or Justin Houston as rush linebackers to play opposite DeMarcus Ware. With this current pick however I am going against all of these picks and I am having them taking JJ Watt."
WalterFootball.com:
Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama: "The decision for the Cowboys is made a lot easier here by the top two corners coming off the board and Marcell Dareus falling. I would also still not rule out California's Cameron Jordan (my last projection) being the choice here.
"Either way, this defense was a major liability in 2010. In more than half of their games they allowed more points than even a top offense could be expected to keep up with. They were 2-9 when allowing 24-plus points and only 5-5 when scoring 26-plus points. Which side of the ball do you think is the bigger problem?
"It is not like their defense lacks talent. In 2009 they were second in scoring (15.6). Some passion and new blood should provide them a spark, and Dareus comes from a winning program."
FFtoolbox.com:
J.J. Watt, DE/DT, Wisconsin: "DE Marcus Spears is the Cowboys top free agent. If they chose not to invest the dollars and years needed to keep him, expect Jerry Jones and company to select a replacement early on. Tabbing a warrior like Watt would do exactly that. Corner Prince Amukamara is the other likely option if the Cowboys choose to address their other main defensive need."
