With Draft Selections, Dallas Cowboys Put Trust in Free and Ball

With the Cowboys being a contender last season, they knew coming into this draft there wasn't an urge to draft for need, but instead they could draft for pure talent.

So when they were up in the first round and Bruce Campbell and several other offensive linemen were still on the boards, the Cowboys took receiver Dez Bryant. 

When the Cowboys traded up in the second round, I thought that they were after a lineman.

But when they took Sean Lee, it was clear how the Cowboys felt about Alan Ball and Doug Free. 

Jerry Jones has put his trust in Free and Ball being starters next season.

The Cowboys got depth at safety and guard in the later rounds drafting Akwasi Owusu-Ansah from IUP and Sam Young from Notre Dame—however, these two aren't ready to start yet. 

Free blended in well with the offensive line and eventually was able to standout with some of his blocks opening holes for the running game.

That was enough for Jones to cut Adams, and now Free will take over Tony Romo's blindside. 

Ball started three games for Ken Hamlin, and the secondary played better with him as the signal caller.

Ball also was the fourth corner on the team and played well when the top three corners needed to come out for a spell. 

Although Ball is in line to take over for Hamlin, Jones said after the draft he's a little concerned about the safety spot even mentioning second year player Mike Hamlin.

"I'm not as sure, from my standpoint," Jones said.

"I'd like to see Mike Hamlin out there in OTAs before I answer that question. I would like to see a little bit more. He's put on some weight and is looking good there. You sure like to see that. I'll leave it at that. I'm just not clear."

Jones didn't want to pass on another receiver with baggage, but it was only because of the way Free and Ball played last season that Jones was able to do that. 

Now the Cowboys have a surplus of talent at receiver and linebacker.

However, it prompted Patrick Crayton and Sam Hurd to ask for a trade and for the Cowboys to actively shop Bobby Carpenter during the draft, although no one bit.

Jones also said he feels the Cowboys have a better team than the one that ended their season in Minnesota.

But only time will tell if that is true.

The Cowboys have the third-toughest schedule in the league next season and need to get ready for a rough ride, and this was the first step.