12 Players the Cowboys Should Be Watching Closely at the NFL Scouting Combine

A key evaluation process for the upcoming NFL draft, the scouting combine, is set to kick off on Feb. 22nd in Indianapolis.  

The week-long showcase featuring the top collegiate football players in the country features drills, physical exams and an intense interview process for NFL executives, coaches, medical staff and scouts to ascertain just exactly where all the top talent stacks up while carrying out all of their due diligence. 

It is also a platform for some virtually unknown college talents to step out of the shadows of obscurity and into the national spotlight. This is an event that die-hard football fans live for and has become wildly popular over the years. 

With the combine featuring over 300 college prospects, the job of NFL teams to get intimate with every invitee is virtually impossible. That's why it's vital for NFL teams to be well prepared and armed with a plan heading into an event like the combine, and that's exactly what the Cowboys need to do. 

By narrowing the scope of evaluation at the combine, the key factor is to identify players who are consistent with their draft board, players who are highly valued and ones that will fill needs. For the Cowboys, who are coming off a disappointing campaign, the pressure might just be even greater this year to land productive, impact players. 

To compete, not only in the NFC East, but throughout the entire league, the Cowboys could be watching some vital building blocks right before their eyes. Let's take a closer look at 12 of those prospects they should be closely watching. 

1.  Janoris Jenkins, CB, N. Alabama

The consensus pick throughout numerous mock drafts, Jenkins could be what the Cowboys are looking for heading into the first round of the NFL draft. He is immensely talented but does have a few off-the-field blemishes. His journey has been well documented but with solid play at the Senior Bowl his stock is pointing up. A great cover corner and dangerous punt returner, he's also got the attention of the Cowboys.

2.  Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

With cornerback being a pressing need for the Cowboys and his marijuana issue now a non-issue, Kirkpatrick could easily be the pick at No. 14. A bigger corner than Jenkins at 6'3", Kirkpatrick excelled in Alabama's defense. He plays press very well and also is effective in zone. A complete corner who could really make an impact for the Cowboys.

3.  David DeCastro, G, Stanford

If the Cowboys sign Carl Nicks in free agency, DeCastro might not be in consideration at No. 14.  However, you can't ignore his talents and the fact that he is one the highest-rated interior linemen in awhile. His pulling and trapping ability are excellent and the combination of DeCastro and Smith would anchor our line for a decade. With the uncertainty of Nicks and the question marks about our offensive line, he simply must be on our radar.

4.  Quentin Coples, DE, North Carolina

A 6'7" defensive lineman who can get to the quarterback can't go unnoticed. I know the pressing need is corner, but he has to be a consideration if he somehow falls in the draft. He's explosive off the ball, plays with good leverage and his size alone will make him a force if paired with Ware on the opposite side.  The Giants just left a blueprint that defines their success, and they proved that you can never throw enough fastballs at the quarterback. He is an impressive specimen, and I'm sure his workouts will be as well.

5.  Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma St.

I've spoken very highly about Martin in previous articles. I really like this kid. He's a great athlete at 6'1", he can hit, has range and is able to locate the ball and make plays. Something we sorely lack in the back end. It's time we try and identify a legitimate long-term answer at safety.

6.  Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana

Another big corner with similar measurables as Kirkpatrick. Another solid cornerback prospect. A big kid who can hit, play physical and provide run support.  He would be able to come in and compete for playing time right away. With the Cowboys needing to replace as many as three cornerbacks and the uncertainty of what free agency will bring, they need to pay attention to day two and day three cornerbacks. Jerry Jones has no choice but to finally fix this secondary, and he shouldn't leave any stones unturned.

7.  Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson

The run on defense continues as it should. Thompson is a tremendous run stopper who could play the middle and allow Jay Ratliff to move around. Versatile enough to play in a 4-3 or 3-4, Thompson would be a target should the Cowboys elect to bypass signing any defensive lineman in free agency.

8.  Kelechi Osmele, OG/T, Iowa St.

A mammoth prospect at 6'5" and 335 pounds, the Cowboys need to watch him as it will undoubtedly have an impact regarding Carl Nicks. If the decision to tweak the offensive line involves not signing Nicks, then players like Osmele become prime targets. A powerful player who can run block and pass protect, he also plays with a strong lower half which allows him to hold the point of attack. He sure will draw the attention of Bill Callahan.

9.  Philip Blake, C/G, Baylor

Another player I've previously mentioned.  A 6'3", 320-pound center who helped protect RG3 and open up holes for Terrance Gannaway, Blake would challenge Costa and provide young, solid depth with his versatility. With offensive line and corner being huge needs, they simply need to watch his workouts to determine which direction to go in. A solid day two or three prospect that fits what they are looking for.

10.  Joe Adams, WR, Arkansas

A player any SEC follower knows about the minute you say his name. I would have to imagine that offense will factor into the draft plans of the Cowboys at some point. Adams is a playmaker who has great speed. A bit undersized, Adams could be a tremendous weapon as a slot receiver and with the return game. Watching a player like Adams is just covering your bases, and that's the smart way to go.  Jerry Jones is very familiar with this player.

11.  Emmanuel Acho, OLB, Texas

With the uncertainty of Anthony Spencer, the certainty of Bradie James and Brooking not coming back and the lack of depth, Acho is a 6'2", 245-pound linebacker who brings an aggressive and athletic style of play. I would put Courtney Upshaw amongst the 12 highlighted prospects, but the likelihood of drafting a linebacker in Round 1 is slim, and he won't be around in Round 2. That makes day two and three linebacker prospects a target for the Cowboys.

12.  Tank Carder, ILB, TCU

Another day three prospect who can provide depth to this defense. Not the best in coverage, but he is a tackling machine, he's gritty and plays with a reckless abandon. I went back and watched some footage of him and what stood out to me was his pursuit of the runner. He's a throw-back style of player, and he just brings that element of toughness. I'm really interested to see what his workouts produce. 

With so many prospects on display at the combine, I could literally target another 50.  But the reality is that with only seven draft picks, the Cowboys have to display the precision of a surgeon with each and every pick.  

The attention really needs to be focused on the true needs of this team which just seemed to become more glaring as the December collapse unfolded. Could I see the Cowboys watching some quarterbacks and running backs? Absolutely. However, the time has arrived for the Cowboys to fix this defense and protect Tony Romo so we can right the wrongs of 2011.   

The NFL combine is one of my favorite aspects of football. It focuses on the evaluation of prospects, where they rank, how well they project at the NFL level and what type of character they possess.  On draft day, Jerry Jones just might make a few dreams come true for some of the prospects I highlighted. In turn, maybe they could make the dreams of the Cowboy fans a reality.