2012 NFL Day 3 Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Looking to Fill Needs in Rounds 4-7

The 2012 NFL draft has been nothing short of exciting through the first two days. But the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in familiar territory in facing the struggles of developing prospects in the mid-to-late rounds. The first two rounds of the draft feature marquee names that avid football fans can identify. Teams that draft well on the third day usually have the ability to sustain their roster with adequate depth for years.

Cowboys fans remember the debacle of the 2009 draft. Failure to develop mid- and late-round picks deprived the roster of potential depth and rotation players. The last few drafts indicate the team is heading in the right direction, but the Cowboys will need to continue to add players who can contribute to the idea of building a complete football team.

Heading into Day 3, the Cowboys have multiple picks, and there are some really good football players left who can help this team win football games. The strength of this draft is that it's deep, there's value and it's filled with players who possess upside.

The goal is simple on Day 3: find value, grab it and hopefully the Cowboys can find some contributors for the short term and solutions for the long term.  Let's look at a potential mock draft scenario.

4th Round (Picks 113 and 135): Ronnell Lewis, LB, Oklahoma and Markelle Martin, S, Oklahoma State

The Cowboys should be running up to the podium to select Lewis, who is a an outstanding prospect capable of bringing the heat on opposing quarterbacks. Martin would provide the Cowboys with a safety to add to the mix and a potential future starter. He's athletic, talented and can cover.

5th Round (Pick 152): Ben Jones, C, Georgia

Phil Blake would be another solution to the interior line but would most likely be gone in round four. Jones is another excellent mid-round prospect capable of pushing Phil Costa. He played at a high level in the SEC and is a nice find in the fifth round.

6th Round (Pick 186): Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas

Many people would believe Joe Adams would be on the Cowboys' radar, but that would require a fourth-round selection. The Cowboys needed to get defensive in those rounds but wind up with another player Jerry Jones is familiar with.

7th Round (Pick 222): George Bryan, TE, NC State / Evan Rodriguez, TE/HB, Temple

Kind of a toss-up here as the Cowboys could have either player. Bryan is a more traditional tight end with solid blocking skills. Rodriguez is a more versatile option with better athleticism. Either player fills a need and would be great seventh-round value.

Many scenarios can play out in Day 3, and the Cowboys must be ready for anything and everything. The goal, however, should be singular—find good football players.