Dallas Cowboys
Quarterback
At this point Tony Romo is what he is. He will always put up good numbers and generally rank in or around the top ten in the major passing categories, but he seems to lack that extra something that the league’s elite have. Romo tends to not get it done against better teams in the league and has his best games against the lesser teams on Dallas’ schedule.
Jon Kitna serves as the backup and is 39 while 3rd stringer Stephen McGee is only 26. It seems unlikely the Cowboys will be in the market for a QB in this spring’s draft and if they do take one it will likely be in the later rounds.
Running Back
DeMarco Murray has emerged as a steal from the 2011 draft and Felix Jones and Phillip Tanner provide depth. The Cowboys could be in the market for a back next spring given the inexplicable decision to cut Tashard Choice loose. At some point in time Jerry Jones is going to have to realize Felix Jones is never going to be an every down back in the NFL and Murray comes with a pretty shaky injury history in college.
Wide Receiver
There is talent at the top of the depth chart with Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. The biggest knock on these two is they struggle to stay healthy and put up consistent numbers. Laurent Robinson seems to have entrenched himself as the #3 receiver for the time being.
Dallas could use some depth after the spot here but that does not warrant spending a high pick on one.
Tight End
Jason Witten is still getting it done and looks to be on pace for another 80 catch, 1,000 yard season.
Backup Martellus Bennett seems to have taken a step back this season after establishing himself as a solid #2 behind Witten.
Offensive Line
Offensive line play is better this season, but still leaves a bit to be desired. Doug Free struggles with consistency and Tyron Smith has struggled adjusting to the NFL game in his rookie season. Interior line play has been solid and they excel at opening holes in the running game.
The guards are getting a bit long in the tooth so they could spend a high pick on someone who may be able to step in and win a starting job right away.
Defensive Line
The defensive line lacks any real play-makers. Jay Ratliff’s play has fallen off at NT the past couple of seasons and he is no longer the dominating presence he was when he racked up 13.5 sacks and 12 TFLs over the 2008-09 seasons. The team was thought to have an interest in grabbing a 3-4 end in the 2011 draft as Marcus Spears has fallen out of favor in Dallas and guys like Kenyon Coleman and Jason Hatcher are merely space fillers.
They could target a play-making end or anchor at NT in the 2012 draft is one presents itself to them.
Linebackers
Second year pro Sean Lee was off to an incredible start only to see his numbers drop off a bit after injuring his wrist. He plays the run well and is able to drop into pass coverage and make some plays. He is definitely seen as a rising star.
OLB DeMarcus Ware is arguably the best pass rusher in the league right now.
Bradie James and Keith Brooking have struggled this year and Bruce Carter is a potential star once his knee fully recovers.
The team has grown wary of waiting on Anthony Spencer to live up to the hype making the other OLB spot a potential target in the draft.
Secondary
The secondary play has gotten better this season, however it lacks a play-maker at safety and a shutdown cover guy at corner.
Potential Targets
Barring a deep run in the playoffs the Cowboys are trending towards picking in the high teens or the low 20s.
Potential first round targets for the secondary could be defensive backs Janoris Jenkins, Alfonzo Dennard, or Mark Barron. Jenkins is a big wildcard in the 2012 draft, if not for his off-field issues he would be a lock to go in the top 15.
Alabama’s Courtney Upshaw could also be a target if the team decides to finally cut ties with Anthony Spencer. Upshaw currently rates in the low 20s and is a guy a lot of people are projecting as a potential edge rusher in a 3-4 scheme.
