2012 NFL Draft: 5 Defensive Studs Who Will Get the Dallas Cowboys Back on Track

With the NFL Combine this weekend, the Dallas Cowboys will have all eyes and ears in attendance trying to find the next great player. After finishing at 8-8 and failing to make the playoffs for yet another year, the Cowboys and Jason Garrett have little room for error.  

The main emphasis for the Cowboys in the NFL Draft will be on Defense.  Here are five prospects who could instantly make a difference this fall.  

Dre Kirkpatrick, Cornerback, Alabama

Kirkpatrick has all the tools to make the Cowboys' scouts drool.  He has good size and speed to keep up with the bigger receivers in the NFL, and could impress with his statistics at the combine this weekend.

The cornerback position was a glaring weakness for the Cowboys last season; if they weren't depleted from injuries they were just all around bad.  Kirkpatrick could provide instant relief for Terence Newman or Mike Jenkins, and even convert to safety if needed.

The only thing that could hold Kirkpatrick back from being a Cowboy is the reality of his off-the-field issues. If he doesn't interview well at the combine, he could see his draft stock fall.

But when has questionable character ever stopped Jerry Jones? 

Zach Brown, Linebacker, North Carolina

Brown isn't the fastest or biggest linebacker in the draft, but still would provide an instant upgrade over some of the linebackers on the Cowboys roster.  Keith Brooking and Bradie James really showed their age in 2011, as they weren't able to keep up with guys in coverage.  

The Senior Bowl was a proving ground for Brown, and he performed well in both the practices and the game itself.  

He would fit in well next to Sean Lee as an all around linebacker who can make plays from sideline to sideline.  

Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Marshall

Curry had a great season at Marshall and capped it off with two sacks in the Senior Bowl.  He has great size at 6'3" 265 pounds, as well as a good burst of speed off the line of scrimmage.  

If the Cowboys decided not to franchise tag Anthony Spencer and let him leave, Curry could fill his spot nicely. The team's 3-4 defense requires big strong ends like Curry, who also provide a strong pass rush.  

Curry could be the piece the Cowboys didn't have on the defensive line last year.  

Brandon Thompson, Defensive Tackle, Clemson

A space-eater on the defensive line could be just what the doctor ordered for the Cowboys, and Thompson seems to fit the bill.  

He measures in at 6'2" 310 pounds, and would remind some fans of Jay Ratliff because of his uncharacteristic explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. He is a solid pass rusher for his size and could play the end or nose tackle in a 3-4 scheme.

Thompson would be a reach for the Cowboys in round one, but if he were able to slip to the second round it would be wise to nab him up.  

Courtney Upshaw, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

When it comes to making an instant impact, no player could contribute immediately for the Cowboys quite like Upshaw. He is a hard worker who will never take a snap off. 

Upshaw may not have a dream combine workout, but is another great example of how important actual time on the field is.  Upshaw excelled in a 3-4 defense at Alabama under Kirby Smart, and could play a similar role in Rex Ryan's defense in Dallas. 

He may lack the speed and athleticism of a Quinton Coples type player, but that is what the Cowboys have DeMarcus Ware for.  

Even if his draft stock slips some between now and April, Upshaw would be a great pick for the 'Boys in round one.