2012 NFL Draft: Prospects Dallas Cowboys Should Choose

After an up and down season in Jerry's world, the Dallas Cowboys ended the season 8-8 and missed the playoffs again.

The Cowboys have the 14th pick in the draft and are on the clock.This is a great time to boost their roster and add some young talent as well.

Here we look into some of the prospects that the Cowboys can capitalize on, which will propel them into the playoffs in a gritty NFC East.

Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama

With the 14th pick, the Cowboys can bulk up on the defensive side of the ball and give Rob Ryan the pieces that he needs to complete the Ryan family defense.

Dre Kirkpatrick would be a great addition after being a big part of Alabama's title run this year. Even though the Cowboys just signed Brandon Carr to a big contract over the offseason, you can never have too many people in the secondary.

The Cowboys' secondary was injury prone last year with Mike Jenkins in and out with a nagging shoulder injury. Kirkpatrick would thrive in the Ryan scheme and be a great shutdown corner for years to come.

Mark Barron, Alabama

Mark Barron will be the the perfect fit for the Cowboys as a safety.

With ball-lurking skills that were on display every Saturday with Alabama, it's time for Baron to bring his talents to the big stage on Sundays.

Baron was the glue that held the Alabama defense together, being a leader who stopped the big plays and kept up the team's momentum. The Cowboys could use a voice in a secondary that was scorched by the long ball all year.

The last time America's Team had a safety that could hit and cover the ball was Darren Woodson, who was part of three Super Bowl-winning Cowboys teams.

Dontari Poe, Memphis

It's all about defense in Dallas and what other way to make a splash than with Dontari Poe?

The defensive tackle from Memphis has an amazing skill set, getting off the ball and into the offensive backfield at will

After Poe showcased his amazing talents at the NFL Combine, it would be a steal for the Cowboys to get the defensive tackle at No. 14. But if they were able to get him, he would be a savior in the 3-4 defense playing the nose guard position.

Pressure from the middle and the outside with DeMarcus Ware would be a nightmare for teams on third downs.

Quinton Coples, North Carolina

Pressure busts pipes, and that is one thing that Quinton Coples will bring to the Cowboys if drafted.

DeMarcus Ware cannot be the only one bringing pressure from the outside. Adding Coples' long stride and stature will disturb many offenses.

The UNC defensive lineman can also play inside, as he demonstrated for the Tarheels last season.

With Rob Ryan dialing up all types of pressure from everywhere, this would be a match made in heaven.

Luke Kuechly, Boston College

It's no secret that Bradie James and Keith Brookings are getting old and could be out the door any day.

If you wanted to replace these two pieces in the Cowboys' defense, Luke Kuechly would be the one to do it with.

Kuechly's speed is a great upside for the linebacker who was a cornerstone for the Boston College defense. With Sean Lee having a breakout season last year for the Cowboys, adding Kuechly could solidify the Cowboys' linebacking corps.

With NFL tight ends becoming more prevalent weapons for quarterbacks, the middle of the field is becoming a deciding factor between a win or a loss.

Offensive Line Needs

The Cowboys for the first time are really solid on the offensive side of the ball after getting Kyle Orton as a backup for Tony Romo.

The only thing they need is another offensive lineman. With Doug Free, Tyronn Smith and a key accusation of Nate Livings, it looks like the offensive line is back to being a strong point for the Cowboys.

But you can never have too many big men up front for you at anytime since they could go down and leave a huge hole. With seven rounds ahead of them, the Cowboys can definitely find a solid backup who can step up and fill the void if needed.