NFL Draft 2011: Dallas Cowboys Need to Address Pass Defense Woes

Rahim Moore
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With being America's team comes weighted expectations.

Sure, the Dallas Cowboys are more heavily scrutinized from season to season more than any other franchise. But to say the organization has underachieved lately is a convenient excuse and a lazy cover-up for what could be an overall lack of talent.

For one, the offensive line is aging. There are concerns at offensive tackle, which the Cowboys could address with the ninth pick. USC's Tyron Smith, according to the Sporting News' Jean-Jacques Taylor, is high on Dallas' board, but he may be a stretch.

Smith has long arms and the overall athleticism to get the job done, but at barely more than 300 pounds, he seems unfit to slide into a starting role immediately.

What about defense, where the Dallas secondary was often scorched, to the tune of 243 yards per game and 33 touchdown passes, tied for most in the league?

Forget about Patrick Peterson; he won't be around. Prince Amukamura could be available, but should San Francisco whiff on a quarterback, he could be gone.

Baylor's Phil Taylor would be a nice selection could provide depth at nose tackle, but safety could be of more importance, in which case UCLA's Rahim Moore could instantly provide the pass defense with some much-needed attitude.

For more on the NFL Draft: 2011 NFL Mock Draft: Comparing Experts Picks from Around the Web

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