2012 NFL Mock Draft: All 7 Rounds for the Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are now well into another dreary offseason. They have their coaches and scouts at the Senior Bowl trying to find that elusive difference-maker to take this team from 8-8 to the Super Bowl.

Now seems like the right time to roll out my first mock draft of the new year. There are bound to be uncertainties and assumptions along the way, but that's what makes mock drafts fun at this time of the year.

With that small disclaimer out of the way, let's roll.

Round 1: Melvin Ingram DE, South Carolina

Someone who is shooting up draft boards recently is Melvin Ingram. He has been dominating at the Senior Bowl and getting rave reviews from guys like Mike Mayock and Bucky Brooks.

He has some issues as far as his measurables are concerned. His arms are typically shorter than you look for in a defensive end, but he does project well as a 3-4 outside linebacker.

He has numerous pass rush moves and is also very versatile, often lining up at tackle for the Gamecocks. He can serve as an immediate replacement and eventual upgrade to the inconsistent Anthony Spencer.

People always seem to point at the secondary as the Cowboys' problem on defense, and they keep clamoring for Dallas to take a corner in the first round.

However, anyone who picked apart the 'Boys defense this year had all day to throw. If the guys up front can get some pass rush, the secondary might not look so bad.

Plus, this year's defensive back class is deep. Talented corners can be found in later rounds.

Round 2: Janoris Jenkins CB, North Alabama

It seems the latest sentiment is that Janoris Jenkins could fall into the second round. If that happens, the Cowboys would be glad to take a chance on him.

It seems like they take a chance with their second pick every year—injuries with Bruce Carter and Sean Lee, and lack of production with Martellus Bennett.

They might have to trade up in the second round to get him, but the risk is worth it here. Make no mistake, this guy is an absolute stud—the only reason teams will take a pass on him early is for fear of him getting busted with the devil's lettuce again.

Morris Claiborne and Dre Kirkpatrick are excellent, but Jenkins is just as good, if not better. If the Cowboys can get him in the second round, trade-up or not, he is a steal.

Round 3: Mike Brewster C, Ohio State

When Andre Gurode became a cap casualty last offseason, it meant that Phil Costa stepped into the starting lineup.

He was serviceable for the most part, but had trouble with shotgun snaps. I think every Cowboys fan would feel better with Mike Brewster snapping the ball. It would probably mean fewer balls flying 10 feet above Romo's head anyway.

Brewster has been a solid starter for the Buckeyes since his freshman year, forming a wall both in pass-blocking and the run game.

Round 4: Ladarius Green TE, Louisiana Lafayette

Built more like a receiver than a tight end, Ladarius Green is an excellent receiving threat. He stands 6'6" but only weighs 240 pounds, which is pretty light for an NFL tight end. He could definitely put on more weight given an offseason with an NFL training staff.

Although he plays in the Sun Belt conference, he had good games against all the BCS opponents he played against.

With Martellus Bennett leaving via free agency (I doubt they bring him back), the Cowboys could use some depth at tight end.

Round 5: Jerry Franklin ILB, Arkansas

With Keith Brooking likely retiring and Bradie James set to become a free agent, ILB is once again a position of need. Both Sean Lee and Bruce Carter have injury concerns, so depth at the position is important.

Franklin has been a tackling machine for the Razorbacks over the course of his career, and made second-team All-SEC in 2011.

Round 6: Kellen Moore QB, Boise State

The Cowboys need another project quarterback.

I am unimpressed by Stephen McGee's body of work as an NFL quarterback. The game against the Eagles this year was meaningless as far as the standings were concerned, but it told me a lot about McGee.

Kellen Moore would be quite a project, since his problems are mostly with attributes that can't be fixed, like athleticism and height.

But if he could clean up his mechanics, he could serve as a good backup. He comes from a winning program and is very intelligent. Sitting behind Romo for a few seasons would help him immensely.

Round 7: Drew Butler P, Georgia

Nobody likes drafting a punter, and Mat McBriar has been a good field-position weapon for the Cowboys over the course of his career.

But McBriar is coming off an injury in which his foot suffered nerve damage, which is always scary, and is set to become a free agent.

The Cowboys may just let him walk and look at someone like Butler or an undrafted free agent.