Round for Round: Dallas Cowboys' Potential Draft Picks in 2009

So here we stand; either on the cusp of doing something great or on the verge of witnessing the collapse of a franchise and its owner. Whichever path they choose, both should be entertaining to watch.

The Cowboys have begun to clean house, sort of. The team finally rid itself of wide receiver Terrell Owens and quietly let go of former first round pick, safety Roy Williams.

Last week, the team let free agent defensive lineman Chris Canty go to the Giants and traded cornerback Anthony Henry to the Lions for quarterback John Kitna. The latter move makes the least sense out of all, but it’s Jerry Jones we are talking about.

With the draft right around the corner, the Cowboys priorities may look the same as it did before the fire sale, or just plan fire for that matter. There is a need to shore up the secondary which was beaten and battered last season.

The team should also look to add depth to its offensive and defensive lines and ahhh there is the crux that represents their famed wide receiving core. Roy E. Williams and Miles Austin are Tony Romo’s deep threats next season.

No first-round picks means that Jones won’t have to pay anyone first round money this summer. So that actually bodes well for a team that is trying to save money to sign DeMarcus Ware.

But before I go and dig the team a shallow grave, allow me to present the players the Cowboys should draft. Patent pending...

19th pick, Round Two - Louis Delmas SS Western Michigan. I could easily see this pick changing since the Cowboys decided to switch Orlando Scandrickto free safety, replacing recently departed Roy Williams.

Scandrick is very athletic and may flourish in his new position, but the ‘Boys still need a back-up plan. Delmas doesn’t have his pro-day until the 10th of March and he did just ok at the combine. He ran a 4.52 in the 40 and has nice size for his position. This could be a steal for the Cowboys.

17th pick, Round Four – Ron Brace NT Boston College. The Cowboys could stand to add a little more depth to the defensive line. While they led the league in sacks last season, no more Chris Canty may equal a drop in production.

Brace’s combine experience wasn’t the greatest, but he still has a shot at impressing NFL scouts at his pro-day. Brace is a behemoth weighing in at 330 pounds and would surely plug running lanes for the ‘Boys.

But he could be available in round six if they want to take a chance.

First pick, Round Five – Quinn Johnson FB LSU. Does anyone remember the name of the Cowboys fullback from last season? Right. While the days of Larry Centers and Moose Johnston are gone, Dallas could use a versatile body in the backfield.

Johnson could turn out to be a steal for an already strong running attack.

20th pick, Round Five – Derek Nicholson MLB FSU. Zack Thomas felt the need to leave Dallas because he couldn’t play his true position. I think it was party due to the atmosphere, but it’s all in the past now.

Our defense is stocky, but we still lack a little depth at certain position. Nicholson is very energetic and is a hard worker. But he’ll be a project that Phillips can help mold.

First pick, Round Seven – Marko Mitchell WR Nevada. Mitchell has a nice frame as he towers at 6’4”. With the departure of Terrell Owens and only one proven receiver on the roster, adding Mitchell would be added depth and little competition for Austin and Crayton.

Mitchell could cut his teeth on special teams and in the slot.

18th pick Round Seven – Ramon Foster OG TN.Depth, depth, depth. I can’t stress that enough with this team. We were lucky with injuries before last season and then we were infected with the bug.

Foster could possible fall out to free agency, but he’s a hoss. 6’6”; 328 pounds could drive anyone off the line with the right technique and strength. But he will need polishing as he has few more weaknesses than needed for an NFL guard.

Dallas is a team on the verge of either greatness or destruction. The merit of last year’s team was tested and they failed. By releasing Williams and Owens, the team rids itself of distractions so that it can move forward.

Starting with a solid draft is another step in the rehabilitation process.