2012 NFL Draft: Projecting the Cowboys Top 5 First Round Targets

Since the final seconds ticked away on their season-ending loss to the New York Giants, Cowboy fans have begun the countdown to the draft. With a bounty of free-agent pickups under contract and the draft now a month away, the Cowboys are heading into the next phase of their retooling plan.

The question that remains now is which direction will they go in Round 1. Since signing Brandon Carr, it would only be logical to move away from drafting a cornerback, right? I'm not so sure. After watching the secondary implode down the stretch, I'm of the belief that you can never have enough quality depth at a premium position like cornerback.

The same case could also be made for need positions like defensive line, offensive line, safety and linebacker. No matter which direction this team ultimately decides to go in, they have a month to figure it out. In the meantime, let's look at their potential targets.

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

The 6'2", 185 pound cornerback brings a physical style of play that might be just what the Cowboys need as they continue to makeover their secondary. The fact that Kirkpatrick has a scheduled visit to Valley Ranch on April 2 is a clear sign that he's on their radar. He's a physical corner who excels in press coverage, provides solid run support and is an excellent wrap-up tackler. His ability to utilize his size is what really stands out when you watch him play.

Kirkpatrick's style would be well-suited for the fierce NFC East battles against receivers like DeSean Jackson, Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz. If the Cowboys select him he would join Brandon Carr, Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick to form a solid group in the secondary.

With Mike Jenkins entering a contract year and coming off an injury-riddled 2011, the departure of Terrance Newman and the inconsistent play of Orlando Scandrick, drafting Kirkpatrick would hardly be a stretch. In fact, it would solidify the secondary for years to come.

David DeCastro, G, Stanford

The 6'5", 310 pound guard uses a quick first step to excel as an outstanding run blocker. Regarded as one of the best guard prospects in quite some time he is fundamentally sound, displays excellent pulling and trapping ability and would clearly provide the Cowboys with an outstanding value if they chose to select him.

Despite the signings of Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings, the Cowboys still have a need along the interior of their offensive line. DeCastro would not only elevate the Cowboys running and screen game, but he would help maintain the depth of the pocket for Tony Romo to excel in the passing game.

If DeCastro is available at the 14th pick, the Cowboys have a major decision on their hands. I see it as a good problem to have.

Michael Brockers, DL, LSU

At 6'5" and 300 pounds, Brockers possesses freakish athleticism, power and elite quickness off the ball that has him rising up the draft board. Since the Cowboys failed to land a defensive lineman in free agency, the position suddenly becomes an area of concern. Brockers can help alleviate that worry.

When I went back and watched some LSU games, Brockers was consistently a disruption in the backfield, and his size allowed him to also be a nuisance in the passing lanes. Sometimes it appears he relied on his athleticism too much, but that can be corrected as he continues to mature and be coached. When you envision what he can do for the Cowboys it's hard not to get excited, especially when you see the impact Jason Pierre-Paul had for the Giants.

Having a defensive lineman with his type of athleticism could make him very versatile in the 3-4 alignment. 

Now that defensive line has become a higher priority for the Cowboys, Brockers needs to be a name thrown around their war room think tank. His upside simply cannot be ignored.

Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis

Poe is a 6'5", 345 pound prototypical nose tackle that could give the Cowboys two for the price of one. By allowing Jay Ratliff to slide over to defensive end, Poe can man the middle of the defensive line and use his size and skill to collapse the pocket, penetrate the line of scrimmage and blow up running plays.

Poe's performance at the combine had a lot of people talking while he greatly improved his draft stock. It's always easy to get seduced by the so-called "workout warrior," but when you watch Poe the agility for his size is hard to ignore. He's still a bit raw, but this simply might be a player you find yourself talking about a few years from now. It would be tough for the Cowboys if they pass on the opportunity to draft Poe.

Poe's stock is rising and the question is will he be there when the Cowboys select in Round 1. The Cowboys brass will definitely have to consider Poe if he's staring them in the face.

Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

A bit undersized at 6'3" and 270 pounds for a defensive end, Perry uses an arsenal of moves as a pass-rusher. The more I went back and watched some USC games, the more Perry started to grow on me. I really like Perry if the Cowboys are looking for a defensive end/outside linebacker hybrid type of player.

What I saw was a high-motor player who explodes off the snap. He uses his hands well to setup his move and he really pursues the ball well. He is a very active player who is always around the ball. He could stand to add more size, but he presents the Cowboys with a very intriguing option depending on which way they go.

In the Cowboys 3-4 alignment he can be used strictly as a pass-rusher, but would be versatile enough to move around depending on the situation. The Cowboys simply need to improve their pass rush and Perry excels in this department. With the inconsistency of Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware constantly facing double teams, a player like Perry could answer a lot of problems.

Ultimately it would make sense to move down a few spots to select Perry, but there could be a team that values him higher than his projection. It's simply the nature of the draft.

In looking at these five prospects the biggest thing the Cowboys give themselves are options. Those options were created by the hard work accomplished in free agency. Let's hope one of these players can help the Cowboys deliver a title.