NFL Draft 2012: Which Way Should the Dallas Cowboys Go in Round 1?

The Dallas Cowboys are one solid draft away from making a legitimate Super Bowl run. 

We've heard that before, right? 

It seems like every season the boys in Big D have one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, but something always curtails their journey to the Super Bowl. 

After another year in which many would say they were significant underachievers, the Cowboys hold the No. 14 overall pick in this April's draft.

In which direction must they go with their first pick to finally take that next step into the upper echelon of the NFC?

Let's look at Dallas' strengths. They're dedicated to Tony Romo, first and foremost. Whether you believe he has the tools to become one of the league's best gun-slingers, or you don't trust him in the clutch, he'll be the guy under center in Dallas.

Actually, 2011 was his best statistical season as a pro. He tossed 31 touchdowns to only 10 interceptions and completed more than 66 percent of his passes while throwing for over 4,100 yards. 

The rest of the skill positions are set, too. 

DeMarco Murray should make a full recovery from the ankle injury that ended his breakout rookie campaign. Felix Jones is a more than capable back-up, if he stays healthy. 

The receiving contingent is one of the more underrated but stellar groups in the league with Dez Bryant, Miles Austin and Laurent Robinson. 

We all know about Jason Witten. 

That leads me to the one area in which I believe is absolutely paramount for the Cowboys to address—their interior offensive line. 

They are fine on the edges, and 2011 first-round pick Tyron Smith looks to be well on his way towards being a superstar. 

Doug Free has held his own on the left side. 

However, guards Derrick Dockery and Kyle Kosier, along with inconsistent center Phil Costa, are not building blocks for the future. 

They'd be smart to grab Stanford's stud guard David DeCastro if he's available. The guy is a once-in-a-decade interior offensive line prospect, doesn't have any holes in his game and is ready to dominate in the NFL from day one. 

He'd allow the Cowboys' runners, who are oozing with explosive talent, to become even more dynamic on Sundays. 

Playing in a division with the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins, all teams that finished in the top 10 in sacks this season, grabbing DeCastro is even more important. 

If he's already been selected, they must acquire a guy with lock-down cover corner abilities. The NFC is absolutely loaded with elite quarterbacks and wide receivers and Dallas' secondary was often victimized in 2011. 

A player like Florida's Janoris Jenkins or Alabama's Dre Kirkpatrick would make a lot of sense. Both guys have had their fair share of off-field issues, but are immensely skilled and ready for the NFL. 

Lastly, if DeCastro and the cornerback they like the most are gone, they would do defensive coordinator Rob Ryan a favor by drafting another impact linebacker. 

Sean Lee was surprisingly effective in 2011, and should man the middle in the foreseeable future. Drafting a future replacement for the 31-year-old Bradie James would benefit the defense in a big way. 

It's always interesting when the Dallas Cowboys go on the clock and in a few short months we'll see what they do in attempt to put the finishing touches on a team that should contend for a Super Bowl very soon. 

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