Dallas Cowboys 2012 Mock Draft: Best Case and Worst Case 7-Round Scenarios

Now that the Cowboys have put their checkbooks away—for the time being—from NFL free agency, the team can now focus on what to do in the draft.

The Cowboys signed former Chiefs cornerback Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50 million deal. They also added quarterback Kyle Orton and linebacker Dan Connor to name a few. Dallas was very active in free agency and showed aggression when needed. If we were to end free agency today, the Cowboys should have addressed enough of their needs already.

So with the draft, a corner may not be their first option. That may go toward a guard or inside linebacker now.

Dallas made things really interesting from themselves via free agency, so watching the draft should be fun.

As our focus shifts back to the draft, let's mock it up to see where the Cowboys stand after free agency.

First Round: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Dallas could still choose Dre Kirkpatrick or Janoris Jenkins, but I think their strategy may shift some. They aren't starving for a cornerback any longer and may be able to address other needs because of it.

Barron is a really solid player and adding him, along with Brandon Carr, should give a quick upgrade to their defense.

Second Round: James Brown, G, Troy

See how quickly things change? This one may be a little bit of stretch because I believe the Cowboys will choose an inside linebacker pretty high.

But Brown is light (306 pounds) and seems to be pretty nimble with good footwork.

Third Round: Tank Carder, ILB, TCU

A third-round pick to use for an ILB isn't bad. Dallas needs to add at least a few more linebackers to make themselves viable for the future.

Carter is coming off knee surgery and Dallas needs depth for the absence of Keith Brooking and Bradie James.

Fourth Round: DaJohn Harris, DE, USC

Harris is new to the Cowboys mock draft. He's a 3-4 defensive end who weighs over 300 pounds and stands at 6'4".

Dallas is in the hunt for another pass rusher, and while I'm not sure if the team will look toward Harris, they should at least draft a defensive end to pair with their new defensive backfield.

Fifth Round: Audie Cole, ILB, NC State

I'm still sticking with my man Audie Cole. He's a 3-4 linebacker and would fit in defensive coordinator Rob Ryan's scheme well.

Depth is an issue in Dallas all around and drafting another inside linebacker should work for the team, not against them.

Sixth Round: Ishmaa’ily Kitchen, DT, Kent State

Drafttek.com has him going to the Cowboys, and I'm marching right next to them. He's 334 pounds, can plug the middle, and Jay Ratliff would move to the end.

I don't think it will be Kitchen who the team selects, but choosing a nose tackle isn't a bad idea.

7th Round: Levy Adcock, T, Oklahoma State

Adcock is 322 pounds and 6'5," so he's a big boy. The Cowboys picks in the later rounds will be for depth purposes. At least that is my guess.

But if they end up going with a player like Adcock, he could potentially turn into a starter.