2011 NFL Draft: Sneak Peek at the Dallas Cowboys' First Round Pick

Other than the quarterback controversy Martellus Bennett created, the big news today was Dallas's pre-draft workouts. Notable invitees include USC tackle Tyron Smith, Wisconsin DE J.J. Watt, UCLA safety Rahim Moore and Colorado tackle Nate Solder.

More often than not the last several years, the Cowboys used their first-round selection on a player from their workouts. The only pick that didn't attend these workouts to be drafted in the first round is Mike Jenkins.

It doesn't seem that the Cowboys are fond of smokescreen tactics when it comes to the draft. They do bring in guys that they probably have no intention of drafting, but for the most part, their first-round pick is usually someone that attends these workouts.

Last year it was Dez Bryant, in 2008 it was Felix Jones, and the year before that it was Anthony Spencer. The list goes on, but the point is that we are likely looking at the newest Cowboys first-round pick here.

There has been some surprise that Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara was not in attendance. That doesn't mean they are ruling him out completely, but judging from recent draft history, it makes it unlikely that he will be a serious consideration on April 28.

These visits are important because they give insight into who the team is really considering at this point. There is no reason it couldn't change later on, but for now, we have a pretty good idea who they're looking at.

I wouldn't be unhappy with either Tyron Smith or J.J. Watt as the Cowboys' pick this year. I am leaning more toward offensive tackle at this point, but defensive end is a major need too. I'm just glad that, all things considered, one of them will probably be the Cowboys' pick this year.

I am also relieved to hear that they brought in Rahim Moore. I was half afraid that Jerry was considering allowing Alan Ball to remain the starting free safety. While it doesn't mean that they will draft him, it does mean that they are looking for other options.

In a little over three weeks we will know the selection for sure, but in the meantime, these workouts are a good indication of things to come.