Power Ranking the Top 10 Players on the Dallas Cowboys' Roster

The Dallas Cowboys roster is chocked full of talented players capable of aiding the 'Boys to a Super Bowl victory. Just within the first few sentences of this piece, I can name at least four players who other teams would love to have.

Yet at this point, it's not about talent and who can make the top ten on Sportscenter. Which player will step up as a leader for the Cowboys?

But for the sake of argument, let's take a look at the top ten players on the Cowboys roster.

Miles Austin, WR

Austin wasn't healthy last season and it showed on the field. Well, I guess it showed off-the-field because Austin wasn't around for much of the season.

He's needed more than ever now as Dallas makes a serious push for a Super Bowl. The team is in rebuilding mode, but around key pieces that are already on the team.

Austin's healthy and stability are needed for Romo, the team's success and his own piece of mind.

Felix Jones, RB

Jones will not be the starter in 2012, but if Murray goes down with an injury, he'll have to step up just as he did last year.

He is a great change of pace back and will provide the Cowboys a spark on third down. Head coach Jason Garrett will probably look for way to work him into the gameplan because he's to good to ignore.

But Jones is almost like a secret weapon. He will not be over-utilized and Garrett will be sure to keep him fresh. His agility and versatility will serve the Cowboys well when they need a homerun play.

Sean Lee, LB

Lee will eventually take over as the leader on defense when Ware starts to slow down. He has all of the intangibles of a great linebacker and leader and can be a machine on the field.

He'll continue to mature and show just how versatile he is on the field and lead the Cowboys in tackles.

Dez Bryant, WR

His maturity this season will be interesting to watch. His grasp of the playbook and ability to remain disciplined in his routes will show just how far he's come as a receiver.

He showed how well he can play in the first half of many ballgames last season, but would disappear in the second half. He needs consistency and discipline in 2012.

Let's hope he shows it.

Jason Witten, TE

Witten is the constant on offense as he's stable and will always produce. He has an amazing rapport with Romo and will often keep a drive alive with a key catch on third and long.

Witten's durability has been amazing and his contributions on the field are just about second to none for Dallas. He'll continue that role going forward.

DeMarco Murray, RB

The hope is that Murray can stay healthy for the entire season. I do not believe he's fragile like Felix Jones, but there are concerns over his health.

I fully expect him to be 100 percent this season and to make a significant impact on the offensive side of the ball. He's quick, agile, strong and tougher than many will give him credit for.

Murray's ability to run well and control the clock will be key for Dallas late in ballgames.

Brandon Carr, CB

The Cowboys secondary left a lot to be desired in 2011, which is why the team went out and signed free agent cornerback Brandon Carr.

The team isn't sure which side he'll play this season, but without playing a single down for the Cowboys, he ranks as the team's fourth most important player.

If he locks his side down and plays physical enough, the Cowboys secondary may be a strength instead of a weakness this season.

Tyron Smith, OT

Smith is now the man who will protect Tony Romo's blindside. He is responsible for keeping Romo up and not as roadkill under some linebackers cleats.

His role will be of vital importance this season as he is the one responsible for the quarterback's protection. If he responds and does his job well, I am sure that an upgrade in pay will be in his future. But not only that, he will show himself as the anchor of the Cowboys line for the next decade.

DeMarcus Ware, LB

Ware once totaled 20 sacks in one season and hasn't had a real fall off since. He is a future hall of famer and will one day have a spot in famed Dallas Cowboys ring of fame.

Until he reaches that point, he holds court at number for the Cowboys. The defense responds to his activity and intensity and as he goes, so will the pressure from the front side of the defense.

I love Ware's ability, skill and vision and he still has at least four more years of high productivity for Dallas.

Tony Romo, QB

The quarterback position is the most important on the field for any team. Romo is one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL, which is why he is tops on this list.

He threw 31 touchdowns last season and for over 4,000 yards in 2011. I constantly hear that Romo needs to step his game up, but I'm not sure how much further he needs to take it.

Romo is the best player on the team and Dallas will go as far as he can take them.

In 2012, I believe that may be pretty far.