2012 NFL Draft: 8 Prospects Who Fit the Dallas Cowboys Mold

As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2012 NFL combine, the team is also preparing a list of players to scout and watch. We know that there is an issue in the defensive backfield, so which cornerbacks and safeties are on Dallas' list? Inside and outside linebacker, defensive and offensive line, backup quarterback and maybe tight end are all positions where the Cowboys have a need.

So as the team heads into final combine preparations, here are eight absolute prospects who should have their names listed on the Cowboys watch list.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB

The former Alabama lockdown corner is high on plenty of team's lists. He is a physical corner, with the potential to turn into a shutdown type of guy.

The Cowboys are in need of a game changer in the defensive backfield, and Kirkpatrick has all the tools. With the Cowboys picking 14th in the draft, Dre may not be available. But if he is, I am sure team owner Jerry Jones will not hesitate the pull the trigger.

Mark Barron, S

Barron and Kirkpatrick are both Alabama guys, so there should not be a problem with disciplined play on the field.

My reservation with Barron is that he is much better at stopping the run than he is at stopping the pass. The Cowboys cannot afford to waste a pick on another Roy Williams type of safety, a player who can make the big hit, but will lose in coverage every time.

He is worth a look, but my gut tells me Dallas may look elsewhere.

Janoris Jenkins, CB

Not many scouts will dispute Jenkins talent as a cornerback. He has great instincts, fluid hips and great footwork, fantastic hands and he is a great athlete. I would venture to say that Dallas should snag him if he's available at 14 for those skills alone.

But there is worry about his past and his character. Many fans already have reservations about receiver Dez Bryant and his off-the-field issues, so bringing in a player like Jenkins would only bring back memories of the 90's Cowboys.

I think that he is a top 10 type of talent and if he's there, the Cowboys should grab him.

Peter Konz, Center

Drafttek.com has Konz, out of Wisconsin, listed as the Cowboys first-round pick. The Cowboys have some concern at center as starter Phil Costa is still growing and backup Kevin Kowalski is doing the same.

I do not think the Cowboys need to draft a center in the first round as Costa should suffice. The team could very well pick a center in the latter rounds, but if Jones and head coach Jason Garrett see the need, then the team should go for it.

Konz was a three-year starter and could possibly play guard as well. 

Alameda Ta’amu, NT

Ta'amu is a must-have type of player, in my opinion. He is 335 pounds and a monster of a football player.

If the Cowboys draft Ta'amu, then the team can move current nose tackle Jay Ratliff to defensive end. If he's available in the second round, then the Cowboys should definitely take him.

Alfonzo Dennard, CB

Dennard is very low on fans' list of players the Cowboys should draft. I like him because he is a former Cornhusker, my college football team of choice, and he has value.

He is starter quality and will add depth. I'm not sure if he's a game changer, but he's athletic and youthful. Two things the Cowboys lack in the secondary.

Audie Cole, ILB

Dallas has to take an inside and possibly outside linebacker in this draft. They are old in the middle and cannot depend on Keith Brooking or Bradie James any longer.

Cole is a great option in the fourth round and would add what the Cowboys lack: youth, depth and athleticism.

James-Michael Johnson, ILB

I thought about placing Houston quarterback Case Keenum and Oregon running back LaMichael James here. I think both players have value, and could add an immediate impact to the Cowboys offense. Well, Keenum would if Romo gets injured.

In regards to Johnson, he is a great option at inside linebacker. He's athletic and has great instincts. I think he would fit well with Bruce Carter and Sean Lee.