2012 NFL Draft: Exploring Every Team Need the Dallas Cowboys Must Address

The Dallas Cowboys have addressed more than a few needs through free agency this year. The team signed cornerback Brandon Carr to a five-year deal, inked two offensive linemen, and purchased a shiny, new backup quarterback in Kyle Orton.

Dallas had its fair share of problems in the defensive backfield in 2011, ranking 23rd against the pass, so the team released aging cornerback Terence Newman and added Carr to replace him. They also signed safety Brodney Pool to add depth to the secondary.

So team owner and general manager Jerry Jones threw some money at the problem and hopes to fix what ails the Cowboys. While money will not fix the problems, I think that he did a good job of grabbing quality players to increase Dallas’ talent pool depth.

But while Carr brings experience and ability, the team is still missing a few pieces. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will still have to depend on corner Orlando Scandrick as the nickel corner or starter if Carr or Mike Jenkins goes down with injury.

So before we go any further with what the team has accomplished via free agency, let’s re-establish what Dallas is missing and what they should address when draft day arrives.

Defensive Backfield

At this point, we know that Dallas needs help in this area. Newman is gone, and Carr has arrived. Jenkins is still here and if he remains healthy, should still be the best corner on the team.

On the team’s big board is Alabama corner Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama safety Mark Barron and LSU corner Maurice Claiborne. I do not think that Claiborne will be available at No. 14 for Dallas, but Kirkpatrick and Barron will be.

I still believe that Dallas needs to draft a corner or safety in the first round. Kirkpatrick isn’t a reach, and if he’s there, Jones should pull the trigger. The NFL is a passing league now, and the Cowboys cannot afford to continue to be shredded by opposing quarterbacks.

Defensive Line

Dallas needs a healthy pass rush to help its pass defense. DeMarcus Ware is not only the best pass rusher on the team, but he’s the best in the league. The Cowboys need someone to complement him at either linebacker or defensive end.

Linebacker Anthony Spencer is nowhere near top flight and provides the necessary support to give the team what they need. But if the Cowboys cannot put more pressure on the quarterback, a repeat of 2011 is more likely than a step forward.

Adding a nose tackle like Ishmaa’ily Kitchen and either moving current nose tackle Jay Ratliff to end or swapping them out would provide more of a rush.

Linebacker

Inside and outside linebacker still represent problems for the Cowboys. They added linebacker Dan Connor for depth and youth reasons, but if the team fails to keep Bradie James and Keith Brooking, there will be a large hole that needs to be filled.

The team will have options during the draft for linebacker and may still sign one through free agency. If the Cowboys fail to take a linebacker in the draft, which I doubt they will, then the 2012 season may be lost before it gets started.

Offensive Line

Dallas has the makings of a potentially great offensive line with Tyron Smith and Doug Free. Smith has moved to left tackle, and Free has transitioned to the right side. 2012 will be critical for each player’s growth, but they seem to be on the right track.

There is still help needed for depth and growth reasons. Maybe another guard and backup tackle would suit them well. So through seven rounds, the Cowboys will have a lot to tackle. No reason why these issues cannot be addressed come April.