NFL Draft 2012: Dallas Cowboys News and Rumors

With the NFL Draft just weeks away, it is still up in the air on who the Dallas Cowboys will draft with their No. 14 overall pick. Offense or defense, there are plenty of areas where the Cowboys could use a little more talent and skill.

Here are some of the rumors and news stories that have been circulating regarding who the Cowboys are going with in the NFL Draft beginning April 26. 

From Tuscaloosa to Jerry World?

If signs are pointing towards anything in particular, it would certainly look like the Cowboys may select a player from the national champs Alabama Crimson Tide. The team hosted a Pro Day on March 31, the only Pro Day Jason Garrett has attended.

If Garrett finds only one Pro Day significant, The Cowboys must be seriously considering one of the Tide's star defensive prospects—Mark Barron, Courtney Upshaw or Dre Kirkpatrick.

The head coach only attended USC's Pro Day prior to last year's draft, and they ended up selecting a Trojan in the first round—Tyron Smith.

Jerry Jones and the front office would be smart to consider any of them, as they played in a similar system to what Rob Ryan likes to run. 

O-Line Talks Heat Up

Even though the Cowboys signed Mackenzy Bernadeau and Nate Livings in free agency, that hasn't affected the thought process of who to draft in the first round. 

The Cowboys are still openly interested in interior offensive linemen and could go with guys like Cordy Glenn, David DeCastro or Peter Konz according to ESPN's Calvin Watkins.

Even though Jason Garrett didn't attend their Pro Days, it may still be likely that they go this direction in the first round.

The Cowboys attended a private workout for Konz since he did not participate in Wisconsin's Pro Day. At 6'5", 315 lbs, Konz is probably the best true center prospect in the draft and could replace fellow former Badger Bill Nagy at center. 

Draft Value Chart

The Cowboys may plan on going with a defensive lineman, as there may be many quality picks on the board at 14. Dontari Poe, Quinton Coples, Fletcher Cox and Michael Brockers are all guys with early first-round grades that may likely slip to the Cowboys. 

The Cowboy's motives may be very consistent with Pro Football Weekly's Draft Value Chart. The Chart classifies players as either an early, mid or late pick in each round (1A meaning high first, 1C meaning late first, etc.). 

Poe, Brockers, Coples, Courtney Upshaw, Mark Barron and Stephon Gilmore were all given a 1B grade—right where the Cowboys are picking. 

It would be a safe bet to say the 'Boys are selecting one of these prospects on day one. 

Doug Martin at Running Back?

Apparently the Cowboys aren't satisfied with the current running back situation in Dallas. DeMarco Murray should be the starter after an impressive rookie campaign, and Felix Jones will be a good change-of-pace back. 

But neither have proven they can stay healthy, so the Cowboys could look for a more dependable option in the draft.

Boise State's Doug Martin has seen his name come up a few times, and the team scheduled to have him come to Dallas for a personal workout. Martin didn't make it because of bad weather preventing his flight according to ESPN's Calvin Watkins. 

The 5'9", 223-pound bruiser would be a solid choice in the second round if he is there. The Cowboys would get a guy who was not only productive but also durable. Martin only missed one game in his time at Boise State. 

"Dallas Day"

The Cowboys held their annual "Dallas Day" for pro prospects who originally are from the Dallas area. This is a good opportunity for guys who aren't the flashiest names on draft day to impress their hometown team. 

Emmanuel Acho, Jeff Fuller and Jamell Flemming were all prospects the cowboys had their eye on for Dallas Day. These are all guys who had successful college careers but low draft stock. 

Make note of these players attending Dallas Day as the Cowboys tend to look towards hometown guys given the chance (see Dez Bryant).