Dallas Cowboys 2012 Draft: Buy or Sell the Cowboys' Draft Picks

The Dallas Cowboys strengthened their weakest position and also added some young playmakers to an already well-stocked defensive front seven. Based on their first three picks alone, the Cowboys had a successful 2012 draft.

However, from there, it was a surprise the team didn't look for offensive line help. This is a minor complaint, since the Cowboys did manage to acquire a potential third wide receiver and a possible long-term successor to Jason Witten. However, some of the Cowboys' mid- to late-round selections were a little underwhelming, and it's hard to escape the feeling the team missed the chance to add some real impact late on.

With these considerations in mind, here is a buy or sell analysis of the Cowboys' 2012 draft picks.

Round 1: Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

The Cowboys pulled off a major coup when they traded up with the St. Louis Rams to draft the highest-rated prospect at his position. Cornerback Morris Claiborne can provide the Dallas secondary with a legitimate ball hawk on the outside.

He plays with great closing speed and instincts and has the range and length to get his hands on the ball on a regular basis. Claiborne is a dream weapon for coordinator Rob Ryan, and he will improve the entire defense.

Verdict: BUY

Cowboys fans have to be excited about the chances the front seven will be able to take with Claiborne and free agent Brandon Carr locking up the outside.

Round 3: Tyrone Crawford, DE, Boise State

The Cowboys landed a steal with their third-round pick in the shape of Boise State rush end Tyrone Crawford. While many may expect Crawford to play defensive line in Dallas, he has the versatility to be a "joker" in Ryan's diverse schemes.

Crawford has good size at 6'4" and 276 pounds, but his frame and agility could see him used in a variety of ways in the Cowboys' multiple fronts. Crawford has a knack for making plays behind the line of scrimmage, evidenced by 6.5 sacks, three forced fumbles and 13.5 tackles for loss in 2011.

Verdict: BUY

An outstanding pick, Crawford gives the Cowboys a multi-use defensive playmaker. Don't be surprised to seen him utilized as a stand-up pass-rusher during his rookie year.

Round 4: Kyle Wilber, OLB, Wake Forest

The Cowboys chose another mid-round defender with good value when they selected versatile linebacker Kyle Wilber in the fourth-round. The ex-Wake Forest standout immediately upgrades the depth across the entire linebacker rotation.

He is commonly thought of as an outside rusher for a 3-4, but with only three sacks in 2011, does little to recommend him for this role. Wilber seems to lack top-notch, off-the-snap speed and the range of movement to consistently get around NFL tackles.

Ironically enough, his best place may be on the inside. Wilber is a stout run defender and has good size for the middle of a 3-4, at 6'4" and 249 pounds.

Verdict: BUY

With Bruce Carter recovering from injury and Victor Butler never really delivering, the Cowboys were smart to add a potential-filled young linebacker. Wilber should see playing time in a variety of fronts.

Round 4: Matt Johnson, S, Eastern Washington

The Cowboys reached with their second fourth-round pick when they opted to take Eastern Washington safety Matt Johnson. In doing so, Dallas passed on some more highly-touted players who might have offered immediate help at a problem position.

Johnson is a bruising safety with an penchant for fierce tackling. However, he is a pure box safety and won't offer the versatility and range the Cowboys need.

Verdict: SELL

Given the issues at both safety positions, it was surprising to see the Cowboys choose Johnson over a player like Boise State's George Iloka.

Round 5: Danny Coale, WR, Virginia Tech

The Cowboys' search for a third receiver took them to Virginia Tech's Danny Coale with their fifth-round pick. While he has decent size for the position, Coale lacks the speed to make plays after the catch.

The Cowboys again passed on some good names with this pick. Given the way they used Laurent Robinson last season, particularly in the red zone, Dallas might have looked at players like Tommy Streeter and B.J. Cunningham.

However, Coale does give the offense the kind of quick, scampering slot receiver it has been lacking for too long. With Dez Bryant and Miles Austin drawing attention vertically and defenses keying in on Jason Witten underneath, Coale be a useful weapon.

Verdict: BUY

As a Wayne Chrebet-style possession receiver, Coale could become a factor in the Cowboys' passing game. If he makes a strong impression in camp, Coale could surprise many once the season begins.

Round 6: James Hanna, TE, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's James Hanna gives the Cowboys a replacement for Martellus Bennett who offers superior receiving skills and the ability to be a legitimate red-zone weapon. In many ways, Hanna could even emerge as the natural successor to Jason Witten.

At 6'4" and 252 pounds, Hanna has classic tight end size, but he combines it with deceptive vertical quickness and intelligent route-running. He has a knack for making plays in the passing game.

Verdict: BUY

Hanna has a good chance of making the team and providing a reliable option alongside Witten.

Round 7: Caleb McSurdy, ILB, Montana

The Cowboys wrapped up their draft by selecting a fairly limited plugger in the seventh round. Montana's Caleb McSurdy faces a struggle to make the team, and the Cowboys again passed on more marquee prospects.

McSurdy is an active inside linebacker, but he does not display the kind of athleticism needed to be effective in coverage or in lateral pursuit. At Montana, McSurdy did not face the toughest competition. Although, it should be noted that he did post impressive production at his level of play.

Verdict: SELL

The Cowboys passed on Oklahoma's Travis Lewis, who is a more complete prospect. McSurdy does have some 3-4 potential, but he faces a hard time trying to work his way into the rotation.

The Cowboys Solved Their Biggest Problem and Added Intriguing Mid-Round Talent

As a whole, the Cowboys didn't do a lot wrong in this draft. The trade for Claiborne was a bold move they had to make, and the whole defense will benefit from the partnership between the rookie and Brandon Carr.

Tyrone Crawford has the potential to be a steal, and Kyle Wilber will also see action. Danny Coale was not a flashy pick, but if given the chance, he could provide the passing game with something different.

Overall, the Cowboys improved their biggest weaknesses and added key depth at linebacker. It's now up to the coaching staff to find ways to get a deeply talented squad to finally deliver.