Dallas Cowboys' 2009 Pre-Draft Analysis

The 2008 Dallas Cowboys were defined by injuries, turmoil, and, well, more turmoil. Tony Romo broke his pinkie finger; the punter broke his foot; the team traded for receiver Roy Williams; and then they released safety Roy Williams.

What does that small synopsis tell you about the ‘Boys of ’08?

There is enough drama in Valley Ranch to drive any normal owner crazy. But not Jerry Jones, he lives off of it.

But Jonsey finally realized that wide receiver Terrell Owens was detrimental to the growth of his star quarterback and to team chemistry, so he let him go.

Jones did the same with former safety Roy Williams because he became a hindrance to the pass defense.

So where does this leave the Cowboys of 2009. Who should they draft and what holes need to be filled?

Team Gaps

Honestly, the Cowboys don’t have many holes to fill. However the gaps that the team has are large and glaring. With the release of safety Roy Williams, the Cowboys are in need of more depth in the secondary. The solution could be to sign a veteran defensive back.

Gap: Secondary

Solution: Sign a veteran defensive back

At last check, Chris McAllister was still available. He may have a little mileage and probably took a beating playing in Baltimore for so many years. But Chris is the type of guy that would bring needed leadership to a secondary that seemed lost at times last season.

Jones probably won’t sign McAllister since he’s older and only has a couple of serviceable years left.

Instead of signing a veteran, the Cowboys should draft Louis Delmas out of Western Michigan. The team decided to move Orlando Scandrick to free safety to supplement for the loss of Williams, but still needs additional depth in case of injuries or just plain bad play.

The ‘Boys could use their second round pick on Delmas and still have room for movement in the later rounds for picks on either an offensive or defensive lineman.

Louis’ speed isn’t blazing, registering just a 4.52 on his 40 time at the combine. But neither was Williams' and he was menace his first few years in the league. If the team is able to work with Delmas on his pass coverage, the Cowboys may see instant improvement in their pass defense.

Gap: Defensive line

Solution: Draft

The release of Chris Canty was baffling to me. Maybe only to me but he was an integral part in a defense that led the league in sacks last season. But since he’s gone now, the team must fill his hole by drafting a young player with nice size.

Enter Ron Brace out of Boston College . His natural position is a nose tackle, and he weighs in at an impressive 330 pounds. He may not garner as many sacks as Canty, but trying to run on a team with a person the size of Grady Jackson would be nearly impossible.

Gap: Offensive line

Solution: Draft

Remember that game against the Giants in the playoffs from a couple of years ago? Remember how tired the offensive line looked? OK, what about this one. Remember that game against the Cardinals when Romo was destroyed and broke his pinkie finger? I could continue, but I’m sure you get the picture by now.

The Cowboys need depth on the offensive line. In order to properly protect the quarterback, the line needs to be interchangeable. A drop off in protection could easily turn a win into a loss.

In the last round of the draft, Ramon Foster out of Tennessee will still be on the board. Now I understand that he could easily sign as a free agent or simply go undrafted. But with a little work and added muscle, Foster should turn into a serviceable offensive guard.

In order for the team to move forward, the Cowboys have to address issues that will affect the team long-term. In the interim, drafting role players that could stick with the team for five plus years could turn out to be a just long term investment.

Best Case Scenarios

Traditionally, the Dallas Cowboys have drafted pretty well.

They drafted Emmitt Smith, Troy Aikman, Michael Irvin, Kevin Smith, Nate Newton, Erik Williams, DeMarcus Ware, Marion Barber, Greg Ellis, and so on and so forth.

So drafting isn’t usually a problem for this team. However, bombing on a day that could make or break your team with the type of picks they have is a possibility.

Jones traded away his first round pick this season for wide receiver Roy Williams. So unless the ‘Boys are desperate for a first round pick and decide to trade up, the team won’t have much movement on day one.

But a best case scenario for the team is to draft for role players and supplemental players, such as Ron Brace.

Also seeing teams like Philly and New York have terrible drafts would be great, but that is highly unlikely.

The Cowboys have an opportunity to grow by subtraction. Ridding themselves of Owens and Williams was a step in the right direction that could result in their first playoff win since 1996.

Now the challenge is finding players that fit well with a team that remains mired in controversy and uncertainty.