7 Prospects the Cowboys Should Be Watching Even Closer After the Combine

The 2012 NFL Combine is in full swing, which has draft-lovers dreaming up all possible scenarios for the event at Radio City Music Hall. The Dallas Cowboys' draft is likely to involve lots of defense and offensive lineman, considering the struggles the team had at those positions last season.

With February almost in the books, the NFL offseason is creeping closer and closer towards draft day, and here are seven prospects the Cowboys should keep an eye on even after the combine comes to a close.

David DeCastro, Offensive Guard, Stanford

If you've been following the NFL Draft beat, you're pretty aware of the impressive skills of one David DeCastro.

I know that Bleacher Report's team down at the NFL Combine right now are loving what they see from the Stanford product, with Andrew Kulha recently tweeting about how fundamentally sound DeCastro is.

The great thing about this guy is he can play guard or center, which gives the Cowboys options as to where they want to put what would have to be their first round pick.

Head coach Jason Garrett recently told the media that the team is looking to draft someone who can come in right away and start when talking about the 'Boys first round pick, and that's something DeCastro could certainly do for Dallas.

Kendall Reyes, Defensive End, Connecticut

Connecticut's Kendall Reyes is a physical beast at defensive end, but like David DeCastro, he's also able to play more than just one position.

The Cowboys (and pretty much any other NFL team) love versatile players. With all the talk surrounding the thought of moving current defensive tackle Jay Ratliff to DE, Reyes would be a great pick for Dallas in the middle rounds.

Drafting the UConn product gives Big D some depth at two positions they're currently thin at, with the possibility of Reyes becoming a starter for the team in the years to come.

Alameda Ta'amu, Nose Tackle, Washington

Now, if the Cowboys were to move Jay Ratliff to defensive end, a guy who could come right in and start in his place at tackle could be Alameda Ta'amu out of Washington.

Dallas loves having big men up front on either side of the football, and Ta'amu weighs 335 pounds which is an instant plus in the minds of the Cowboys. Ta'amu is quick off the snap and knows how to find his way into the opposition's backfield, making him someone Big D will have their scouting team all over for the next month.

Jeff Allen, Offensive Lineman, Illinois

Speaking of 300 pounders, Illinois' product Jeff Allen could be someone who catches the eye of Dallas' scouts and could be a middle round pick for the team come April.

Allen is versatile, which would give Dallas some depth on OL, and he has shown he is a great pass protector.

The former Fighting Illini team captain has unfortunately also shown to have a case of Jamarcus Russell-syndrome at times, conditioning has not been his best friend over his college career.

While there are certainly some red flags with Allen, fellow Dallas Cowboys FC Jason Henry believes Dallas might take him if he's on the draft board come the fifth round.

Donnie Fletcher, Cornerback, Boston College

Many draft analysts believe that the Cowboys are going to take a top cornerback like Dre Kirkpatrick or Janoris Jenkins in the first round. I am among those who think that will happen, but a guy like Donne Fletcher is someone Dallas might take a shot on in the later rounds.

Going to school in Boston, I've had a chance to watch plenty of Boston College games this season, and Fletcher was easily their best player at CB. Standing at 6'1, Fletcher is a solid height for his position and he has a knack for recording interceptions.

Considering how much help the Dallas secondary needs, I can easily see them drafting two corners come April, and Fletcher would be a solid choice.

Michael Egnew, Tight End, Missouri

Tight End Michael Egnew will certainly have to change his jersey number if he's selected by the Cowboys, but his playing time from college to pro won't go down too badly.

Before the Patriots made it cool, Dallas was trying to create a dynamic two-tight end offense with Jason Witten and Martellus Bennett. While Witten has excelled, Marty B has been a let down since his four-touchdown year back in 2008.

Egnew has been turning heads at the NFL Combine over in Indy, with his 4.62 time on the 40 yard dash, which eerily close to what Aaron Hernandez posted a few years ago.

As B/R Contributor Roger Light recently pointed out, the Mizzou product has the speed of Hernandez with the size of Rob Gronkowski. His 6'5", 252 pound frame will make him a headache for NFL cornerbacks and makes him a prime redzone target.

T.Y. Hilton, Wide Receiver, Florida International University

The Cowboys have shown in recent history they are at their best on offense when three of their receivers are heavily involved. With Laurent Robinson soon to be a free agent, Dallas needs to prepare for the possibility they lose No. 81.

The Robinson situation will likely be settled by the time the NFL Draft roles around, but with the recent news of the team letting Kevin Ogletree walk, Dallas should draft a receiver in the late rounds.

While FIU's T.Y. Hilton isn't the biggest name out there at his position, he knows how to play it well. He's great at creating space between him and the cornerback, and is a true deep threat which is a huge plus.

Hilton could turn out to be the slot receiver many thought Ogletree would be for Dallas last season if Robinson chooses to leave Big D.