2012 Cowboys Mock Draft: 7-Round, 8-Pick Draft Day Edition

Well Cowboys fans, the time has finally come. It's time to finally put the 2011 season and all the disappointment behind us and move into the second phase of the offseason.

We saw a successful crop of free agents added to the Cowboys roster, highlighted by Brandon Carr, Kyle Orton and Dan Connor, and now it's time to continue that optimism into draft night. But I think we have time for one last mock draft to get us through the day.

Shall we mock one last time?

Rd. 1, Pick 14: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

The first pick is no surprise. The Cowboys hold firm at the 14th pick and select the ball-hawking, playmaking safety from Alabama. Jerry Jones finally addresses the safety position correctly and realizes that Brodney Pool is only a short-term solution.

The selection of Barron reinvigorates the Cowboys fanbase by bringing his physical and hard-hitting style of play. He's a 6'2", 218-pound safety that is constantly around the ball and flies around the field. He is a highly sought-after player that would fit nicely into the Cowboys' defensive scheme.

He enjoyed a stellar season for the Crimson Tide and posted 43 solo tackles, five tackles for loss, five pass deflected and two interceptions. He would be a tremendous upgrade in the secondary for the Cowboys.

Rd. 2, Pick 45: Ronnell Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma

Otherwise known as "The Hammer", Lewis would provide the Cowboys with some solid depth behind Anthony Spencer and Victor Butler. At 6'2" and 255 pounds, Lewis possesses tremendous physical strength and quickness, which makes him a great second-round value for the Cowboys.

He's versatile enough to play inside or outside, and he's not afraid to lay the lumber. His intensity alone would be a welcome addition to the Cowboys defense.

Rd. 3, Pick 81: Casey Hayward, CB, Vanderbilt

The Cowboys are looking hard at cornerbacks, and their pre-draft visits are proof of that. Hayward was a very productive cornerback at Vanderbilt but was sort of lost in the shadows while schools like Alabama, LSU and Arkansas get all the publicity.

At 5'11" and 188 pounds, Hayward posted seven interceptions and broke up 10 passes this past season. He's not afraid to mix it up with any receiver, he has solid ball skills and is effective in run support. Those are the qualities that really stand out when you watch him play.

Rd. 4, Pick 113: T.Y. Hilton, WR, FIU

The Cowboys had Hilton in for a pre-draft visit, and at some point I knew Jason Garrett would be looking to add another receiver into the mix. Hilton is an electrifying talent that played multiple positions for Florida International.

He can play outside, in the slot, return punts and also be used on kickoff returns. He was even used in wildcat formations. The element of versatility he can bring to this offense, along with his ability to stretch the field vertically, could provide Tony Romo with an intriguing weapon.

Rd. 4, Pick 135: Ron Brooks, CB, LSU

Brooks could prove to be a diamond in the rough, but for now the Cowboys will stick to two things—defensive backs and players who had pre-draft visits. They needed to strengthen their secondary in this draft, and Brooks completes the trifecta along with Barron and Hayward.

The knock on Brooks is that he was LSU's top reserve and was limited because of that, but he displayed a blazing 40-yard dash time, and his performance at the combine turned some heads.

He would be an upgrade over Frank Walker and Alan Ball, and he could develop into a starter within the next few seasons while serving as insurance for Mike Jenkins.

Jason Garrett said he wanted players who fought through adversity, and Brooks might very well have something to prove in that department.

Rd. 5, Pick 152: Ronald Leary, G, Memphis

Leary is a 6'3", 315-pound guard that Bill Callahan worked out himself. He played in 44 games at Memphis, starting 36, while earning second team all-conference USA. He's also had a pre-draft visit with the Cowboys, and selecting him would be consistent with their mission of solidifying the offensive line.

Early in his career at Memphis he played tackle, so he does bring an element of versatility.

When you watch his game footage, he brings a solid skill set, his long arms allow him to have great control at the point of attack, and he appears to have a little nastiness to his game. I saw a few plays where he completely drove the defender into the ground.

He could provide depth in a complementary role for the short-term with an eye toward pushing for a starting job in the near future. He can really benefit from being coached by Bill Callahan.

Rd. 6, Pick 191: Tydreke Powell, DT, North Carolina

With the Cowboys needing depth along the defensive line, they turn to the North Carolina product. Powell, who stands at 6'3" and 310 pounds, is a solid run-stopper who plays aggressively at the line of scrimmage. He totaled 46 tackles, with 4.5 tackles for a loss and a sack this season.

His best attribute is as a run-plugger, and he has the versatility to fit as a 3-4 defensive end. With the Cowboys needing to fix their secondary with earlier picks, coming out of this draft with at least one defensive lineman is a must.

If the Cowboys go with Michael Brockers in the first round, the whole complexion of the Cowboys' draft changes, including this pick.

Rd. 7, Pick 222: George Bryan, TE, NC State

The Cowboys complete their 2012 draft by selecting the 6'5", 268-pound N.C. State product to solidify the tight end position. He's more of a traditional blocking and receiving tight end, and he brings a fundamentally solid game to the Cowboys.

He posted 331 receiving yards and four touchdowns in 2011 while serving as a captain. Bryan possesses good size, solid hands and outstanding blocking ability, which will allow him to fit nicely into Jason Garrett's offense.

In time, he can probably push John Phillips for the backup position and will also bring competition to the position.

He's an old-school tight end who won't blow you away with speed, but he has a knack for finding the open spot in zone and can get enough separation to make short-yardage receptions. A good value and needed pick to wrap up the 2012 draft.