Dallas Cowboys 2012 Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions, Free Agency Edition

The impact of free agency on the Dallas Cowboys draft strategy could be seismic. The signings of cornerback Brandon Carr, safety Brandon Pool, linebacker David Connor, and quarterback Kyle Orton have made the team adjust.

Will Dallas chase a cornerback even with Pool, Carr, and possibly free agent defensive back Jarrett Bush? Dallas signed two guards, Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings, so will the team push for an offensive lineman in later rounds?

I still believe that Dallas needs to keep an eye toward the future and keep building, which is why the team should draft a cornerback and safety.

So with the immediate frenzy of free agency over, the cloud of emotion has subsided and the team can focus their efforts on the draft.

With Dallas being quiet over the past few days, here is my latest mock draft, free agency edition.

First Round: Mark Barron, SS, Alabama

I'm sticking with Barron here, even though the team signed Pool and have gotten stronger with Carr.

But strong safety is a position of concern for the Cowboys, and continuing to fill the position with stop gap type of players would be mighty short sighted.

Second Round: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson

Branch is a reach for Dallas to go after him so early, but he could be worth it. Connor is going to compete with Bruce Carter, and drafting Branch would add depth, competition and a great pass rush.

He's 260 pounds with quickness and strength. He may be a bit of a reach, but could be a solid pick.

Third Round: Ronnell Lewis, DE/LB, Oklahoma

This one is probably a larger stretch than picking Branch in the second round.

But Lewis is versatile, can play both 3-4 or 4-3 defenses, and will be great in run support. Last season he only totaled 5.5 sacks, but even if he brought that production and a sack or two a year, Lewis would warp into a fine defensive player for Dallas.

Fourth Round: A.J. Jenkins, WR, Illinois

This pick comes courtesy of Drafttek.com. I think that the Cowboys shouldn't take their eyes off of wide receiver because they have two talented guys on the roster now.

Receiver Laurent Robinson is now a Jaguar and the Cowboys are still looking for a slot guy. Jenkins, another stretch, would fit well in Dallas.

Fifth Round: Audie Cole, ILB, NC State

I'm back to Audie Cole again.

Again, Dallas has Connor, but the addition of a scrappy player like Cole is a step in bringing youth and depth to the Cowboys linebacker position.

He's another stretch because he may not be on the Cowboys' radar, but team owner Jerry Jones should give him an extra look.

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

He's 334 pounds and bringing him along slowly would be apropos. He wouldn't be an every down player, at first, and could help with movement on the line and keeping players fresh.

I still say that Dallas needs a big man in the middle, and Kitchen could be that guy.

Seventh Round: Levy Adcock, T, Oklahoma State

I picked him in the seventh round for my last mock and will keep him here for now. Dallas has free reign with this draft and could just go after the best player available during their pick time.

But the team may be surprised by Adcock, as he's supposedly quick on his feet and can provide himself as a nice contingency plan in case there are injuries along the front line.