Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for the Dallas Cowboys' Top 3 Picks

The top three picks are the best indicators of draft success for each team. When pundits and analysts go back and grade various teams' draft success, they look at the top three picks to identify how well the team drafted that year. 

To be successful a team has to be ready for whatever scenario that comes their way on draft day. With the Dallas Cowboys selecting at the back end of the first round, they will need to be able to act quickly on their feet because there are numerous scenarios that they must be ready for. 

The Cowboys' biggest need entering the draft is at running back as DeMarco Murray's departure has left a big hole on the team's offense. Furthermore, the Cowboys need to improve the depth at the defensive end spot and improve their secondary. 

What makes the draft so unpredictable is that it is 32 independent franchises making picks that they believe fit their team the best. Therefore, a player who may be a bad fit for one team could be a great fit for another. This is why you see some teams place extremely different values on some players. 

Now with that in mind, let's take a look at the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Cowboys in the 2015 NFL draft.

Best-Case 1st-Round Pick: Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Everyone knows Todd Gurley is the most talented running back in this draft class. The only reason he may be available at No. 27 is because of running backs' devaluation and injury concerns over his torn ACL he suffered during the college football season. 

Gurley has the ability to organically generate power unlike any other running back in this draft. He runs a little upright, but he understands how to drop his pads and use his hips to generate power on contact. Gurley is also a very elusive runner who can make defenders grasp for air as he eludes them on his way for a big run. 

The trait that really separates Gurley from the rest of the running backs is that he is an incredibly smart running back with excellent vision. Gurley understands how to read his keys, press and cut principles to go along with the ability to manipulate defenders before he passes the line of scrimmage. 

Gurley would be a great fit behind Dallas' offensive line, and he would immediately be a favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year, if he was healthy by the season opener.

Worst-Case 1st-Round Pick: Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

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If the Cowboys board is wiped out when they are on the clock at No. 27, they may look to take their favorite second-round running back, which could be Indiana's Tevin Coleman. 

Coleman isn't the best fit for a zone-blocking scheme, as he doesn't display the patience or one-cut ability that you would ideally want, but with the Cowboys' offensive line, he would do just fine. 

He has game-breaking speed, as he is the only running back in this class who routinely outruns secondary defenders' angles. When Coleman gets going downhill, he is tough to stop. 

Also, Coleman can be a three-down running back with his ability as a receiver out of the backfield and in pass protection.

Coleman could do a ton of damage when the Cowboys go to their power-running offense in which they use a lot of powers, counters and tosses. 

Coleman may not be a good value here, but he can still be extremely productive despite that fact.

Best-Case 2nd-Round Pick: Eric Rowe, CB, Utah

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The Cowboys have a lot of uncertainty in their secondary, therefore it is a group that they will likely target in this draft. Utah's Eric Rowe is a polarizing player who has seen a huge disparity in his draft value from various draft analysts. 

Nevertheless, Rowe appears to be a perfect fit for the Cowboys' scheme. Rowe has experience at cornerback and safety in his career at Utah, so he could potentially be a convert for the Cowboys down the road. 

As a cornerback, Rowe is a bully at the line of scrimmage as he uses his huge frame to disrupt wide receivers' releases. Rowe is a perfect fit as a cornerback in the Cowboys defensive scheme, because it will allow him to highlight his physical gifts. 

Rowe is one of the best cornerbacks in run support as he is not afraid to take on blocks or tackle running backs in the open field. 

Rowe would be a great player to play opposite Orlando Scandrick if Brandon Carr departs, or he could be a great nickel cornerback, if Carr stays. 

Worst-Case 2nd-Round Pick: Danielle Hunter, DE, LSU

Brynn Anderson/Associated Press

If the Cowboys go with a running back in the first round and can't find a player in the secondary worth a second-round pick, they will likely look to defensive end at No. 60. 

One player who may be available is LSU's Danielle Hunter, who would add to the depth at defensive end for the Cowboys. 

Hunter is an extremely athletic player who fits all the physical profiles of a dynamic edge-rusher. He is a very stout run defender who understands how to set the edge and play off combination blocks. 

The reason why Hunter would be a worst case is because he has no idea how to rush the passer. He has yet to develop any good pass-rush moves and seems to think more than just react. He has fantastic athletic traits that should allow him to make some plays as a rusher, but his mental processing as a rusher looks mediocre at best.

Hunter was born with everything you want in a defensive end, but if he lands in Dallas, it would be up to the coaching staff to see if they can get him to reach his loft potential.

Best-Case 3rd-Round Pick: Damarious Randall, FS, ASU

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Another secondary player who could be a great find for Dallas in this draft is Arizona State's Damarious Randall. 

Randall is an extremely versatile defender who can play as a deep-middle safety or play as a slot cornerback in the nickel. Randall has great movement skills and above-average instincts for the position. 

He is a great blitzer from the secondary and seems to always be around the ball. Randall has that unquantifiable playmaking trait, much in the same vein as Tyrann Mathieu. Whether it is stripping a ball-carrier or making an interception, Randall always seems to make big plays. 

Where Randall needs to improve is in run defense. He tends to overrun ball-carriers because he is so aggressive. Also, he tends to miss a few tackles because he doesn't break down in space very well. 

Furthermore, Randall's aggressive nature will not onlly lead to him making a lot of plays but also giving up some plays as well. 

The Cowboys defense thrives on turnovers, and Randall would be a fantastic addition to the team.

Worst-Case 3rd-Round Pick: Bryce Petty, QB, Baylor

With Tony Romo heading down the twilight of his career, the Cowboys will likely be looking to find his replacement in the next couple of years. 

One player whom the Cowboys may look to be Romo's successor is Baylor's Bryce Petty. The Cowboys sent quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson to work out Petty back in March, per The Dallas Morning News' Brandon George, which could be indication that they like him a lot. 

The third round would appear to be an area where the Cowboys could look to select a player such as Petty; however, if they did, it would be a mistake. 

Petty is a great quarterback without pressure in his face, and he may have the best deep ball in this class. However, Petty tends to hang onto the ball to long, and he panics when he's pressured.

Furthermore, Petty played in a system that doesn't translate very well to the Cowboys offense. Petty doesn't have much experience under center, and he has never even called a play in the huddle, which is worrisome. 

The Cowboys may be looking for the quarterback of the future, but in this case, they should look elsewhere.