Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Building the Perfect 7-Round Draft

Jerry Jones seems to have incorporated Jason Garrett's commitment to high football character in his draft plan, in addition to moving away from his penchant for making an inordinate amount of moves that I chronicled while giving the Dallas Cowboys report-card grades for their last five drafts.

How can the 2012 draft bring more success to the franchise?

Round 1, No. 14

Plan A: David DeCastro, OG, Stanford - Not only are Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau no long-term answer at guard, DeCastro is almost automatically the best player available regardless of position if he is still there.

Plan B: Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin - There could be some enticing DL talents like Michael Brockers or Dontari Poe still on the board, but the wise move is to plug a huge hole with a blue-chip player instead of taking a boom/bust risk in the first.

Round 2, No. 45

Plan A: Ben Jones, C, Georgia - The Cowboys just can't go into the 2012 season without an upgrade at center. A four-year starter at center in the SEC, Jones is one of the safest picks in the draft.

Plan B: Kevin Zeitler, OG, Wisconsin - The picture is clear: Use the first two rounds to upgrade the interior offensive line with proven high-floor players who can start from day one.

Round 3, No. 81

Plan A: Alameda Ta'amu, DT, Washington - I have no problem with the Cowboys drafting DT depth in the form freakishly athletic behemoths. Just not in the first round.

Plan B: Marvin Jones, WR, California - With no proven third wide receiver on the roster and Miles Austin and Dez Bryant's injury history, the Cowboys need to add some polished talent at the position.

Round 4, No. 113

Plan A: Juron Criner, WR, Arizona - Criner is no speed demon, but he can provide help in three-wide sets with Austin in the slot and be solid depth at the position.

Plan B: Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincinnati - Wolfe is a fast-riser who could be gone as early as the second round now, but if he falls to the fourth, the Cowboys can't pass on the quality depth he'll provide.

Round 4, No. 135 (Compensatory)

Plan A: Trenton Robinson, S, Michigan State - The Cowboys have been going through safeties at an alarming rate. Robinson could stop that trend.

Plan B: Jonathan Massaquoi, DE/OLB, Troy - Can lightning strike twice? The Cowboys go back to Troy for a pass-rushing DE/OLB tweener. This position is a long-term need unless the Cowboys sign Anthony Spencer to a long-term deal.

Round 5, No. 152

Plan A: DeQuan Menzie, CB, Alabama - A versatile, battle-tested corner, Menzie may never be starter quality, but he'll be a nice addition to the Cowboys passing down packages.

Plan B: Brandon Hardin, FS, Oregon State - Hardin could be a steal after missing his senior season with a shoulder injury. He had a great pro day and should be a third-day consideration. 

Round 6, No. 186

Plan A: Jake Bequette, DE/OLB, Arkansas - Bequette is a 3-4 OLB project, but the Cowboys have time in the form of Anthony Spencer's franchise tag one-year deal, and immediate depth in the form of Victor Butler.

Plan B: Brian Linthicum, TE, Michigan State - With the departure of Martellus Bennett in free agency and the frequency of multi-TE sets for the Cowboys, adding a solid all-around third option is a good idea.

Round 7, No. 222

Plan A: TJ Graham, WR, NC State - The Cowboys need to draft two wide receivers because they have no proven depth after No. 3 Kevin Ogletree. Graham will provide speed and return game help.

Plan B: Chris Owusu, WR, Stanford - His concussion history is scary, but that's how you get a vertical threat like Owusu in the seventh round. A good risk/reward late pick.