Fixing the Dallas Cowboys, Part 3: Draft Prospects They Must Target

This installation of my "Fixing the Dallas Cowboys" series focuses on identifying the draft prospects they must consider based on a variety of factors.  

When you come off back-to-back disappointing seasons, the sense of urgency in this upcoming draft must be epic and with the mindset of finding starting-caliber impact players.  Anything short of that mentality would just be another disappointment. 

The list of needs for the Cowboys reads like a children's Christmas list and the early, but growing consensus among mock drafts, team analysis, discussions and debates seems to focus on all things defense and interior offensive linemen.  While I do not disagree with that logic, I also feel Jerry Jones, the coaching staff and scouting department need to consider all positions across the board. 

As anyone knows, in the NFL we see today you can never have enough options, depth and all-around good football players.  Just look at the teams that win consistently and you will find a direct correlation to their success in the draft.  I also feel the list of prospects I'm going to present should be considered regardless of how aggressive or active the Cowboys are in free agency. 

The draft is a three-day event under the new format, and although you could literally come up with a list of 50 draft prospects the Cowboys should target, I will present you with 12.  Let's get this list started by presenting the following prospects:

Courtney Upshaw, OLB/DE, Alabama, (6-2, 264)

Played on one of the most impressive college defenses and showed his outstanding ability in the BCS National Championship Game.  In a 3-4 scheme Courtney Upshaw would be an outside linebacker and would virtually replace Anthony Spencer, if he's not re-signed.  The bottom line is that this team needs to bring pressure and he could do that both inside and outside. 

He would be a Day 1 pick.

Melvin Ingram, OLB/DE, South Carolina (6-2, 276)

Continuing with the "bringing pressure" train of thought, Melvin Ingram would be another player to fit the bill if Upshaw doesn't appeal.  The knock on Ingram is that he's too short to be a 3-4 end and possibly an outside backer as well. 

With that said, Ingram has been very versatile during his time at South Carolina and he's had no problem whatsoever in making plays.  His explosiveness could make for an interesting combination when paired with DeMarcus Ware. 

Ingram would also be a Day 1 pick.

Jenoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama (5-10, 182)

A very intriguing draft prospect who might just be one of the most talented guys in the entire draft. Jnoris Jenkins is a classic case of big-time talent that played at a big-time program at Florida, but he was never able to shake the off-the-field trouble. That trouble got him booted from the Florida Gators and he eventually landed at Division II North Alabama. 

From what I was able to see by watching some footage, he totally dominated at the D-2 level, but you can clearly see no one threw his way. 

However, while he was at Florida his talent was undeniable and Jerry Jones would definitely be drawn to that talent on Day 1.

Quinton Coples, DL, North Carolina (6-6, 285)

His size alone allows him to tower over a lot of offensive linemen and is overall impressive.  Quinton Coples has tremendous quickness, athletic ability and a very high ceiling.  He would be a defensive end in any scheme but is athletic enough to excel in a hybrid role as well. 

If he were available at No. 14 it could be hard to pass on him, but the Cowboys need to be ready if he's around.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama (6-3, 192)

Regarded as the best cornerback prospect by many and rightfully so, Dre Kirkpatrick's play this season for Alabama was impressive.  He is rare in that he has a very polished game in zone and man.  He is the type of corner this team needs and can guard any receiver.  With Morris Claiborne not even close to being around at No. 14, Kirkpatrick is the next must-have at corner. 

Recent off-the-field circumstances surrounding a marijuana charge is something to keep an eye on, but, again, his talent would be hard to pass on and Jerry Jones knows that.

David DeCastro, OG, Stanford (6-5, 310)

Quite simply the best interior lineman to come along in awhile.  His pulling and trapping ability for Murray and Jones would elevate this running game to the top of the league.  The combination of him playing with Tyron Smith would give the Cowboys two phenomenal linemen for a decade. 

If Kirkpatrick and Upshaw are off the board he could be a no-brainer.  It's not a sexy pick, but the value would be tremendous.  If Dallas signs Carl Nicks then DeCastro is not an option.

Markell Martin, FS, Oklahoma State (6-1, 198)

One of my favorite prospects, Markell Martin would be a major upgrade with a future at safety.  Great athleticism, speed and playmaking ability will allow him to patrol the back end and would complement Gerald Sensabaugh nicely. 

Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana (6-2, 205)

As we've seen this past December, the Cowboys just simply were manhandled in the secondary.The Cowboys are going to need two corners out of this draft.  Period.  The hope is to land Jenkins or Kirkpatrick.   

Johnson is another big, tough physical corner they should be able to land on Day 3.  I've seen a few Montana games this year and he possesses a good skill set for NFC East battle and played a ton in cold weather.  Keep this name in mind. 

The Cowboys need to build a tough, physical secondary that can cover Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz, Macklin, DeSean Jackson and Mario Manningham twice a year, as well as the Megatrons of the world.

Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson (6-2, 310)

Classic run-stopper in the middle.  It could be the pick that allows Jay Ratliff to move to end, give the Cowboys some versatility and push Josh Brent.  He simply needs to be targeted by the brain trust.

LaMichael James, RB, Oregon (5-9, 195) / Robert Turbin, RB, Utah State (5-10, 216)—tie

Even though Murray and Jones represent a formidable pair at running back, I'm not sold on Phillip Tanner. 

Assuming the Cowboys do nothing in free agency, they could go with either back.  LaMichael James could give that Darren Sproles factor and Robert Turbin gives that power, north-south style, kind of like Mike Tolbert would. 

Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas, (5-11, 190)

Jerry Jones should be familiar with this player, as he's had some of his best games at Jerry World.  Joe Adams could be a nice upgrade from Kevin Ogletree, Jesse Holley and the rest of the bunch, and might add some return ability. 

Ladarius Green, TE, UL Lafayette (6-6, 236)

It's looking like Martellus Bennett has been shown the door and Jerry Jones is going to be drawn to this prospect.   Even though Ladarius Green was highly productive this past year, he is sort of a project.  Definitely not the blocker Bennett was, but think along the lines of Aaron Hernandez playing in the slot. 

Classic Jerry Jones prospect.

I've given you just a sample of the hundreds of prospect this team can consider.  As time draws closer to the combine and the draft awaits us, some of these prospects will have either moved up or down in ranking. 

The bottom line is this team needs to get better and get this draft right.  The needs are plenty, the draft picks so few and precious, but one thing this team can't do is dwell and live in the failures of the past. 

I will—and I'm sure you will also—monitor the draft board right up to the very end.  My focus going forward will be on more Day 3 prospects and I will provide an installment of those prospects, underrated prospects and sleepers. 

 Let's hope the Cowboys organization is focused as well.