6 2015 NFL Draft Picks Who Could Be Opening Game Starters for Dallas Cowboys

The 2015 NFL draft is right around the corner. In a week’s time, the Dallas Cowboys will finally be able to make their first-round selection and take another step toward the upcoming season.

With the No. 27 overall pick, it's difficult to project what Dallas will do. There are so many unknowns when it comes to any draft. Consequently, knowing exactly who will be available is a tough task.

Then again, the Cowboys don’t even have to pick someone in their spot. Jerry Jones has been known to make a draft-day deal or two, so don’t be shocked if he trades up or down depending on how the first round pans out.

Despite the unknowns, the Cowboys have only a few select positions they will be focusing on. Let’s examine six draft choices who could be Week 1 starters for Dallas.

Melvin Gordon, RB, Wisconsin

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Let’s start with running back. Although the Cowboys already have several viable options on their roster, one of the premier college prospects might be too intriguing to pass on.

Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon is one of these players.

Gordon exploded in 2014. He gained more than 2,500 yards on the ground to go along with 29 rushing touchdowns. Against Nebraska, Gordon ran for a then-NCAA record 408 yards on just 25 carries.

If Gordon is available at No. 27, he will most likely be a Cowboy. It’s clear he has plenty of talent and would help Dallas’ running attack immensely.

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

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The other top running back Dallas will hope to have a chance at is Georgia’s Todd Gurley. Even though his 2014 season was cut short due to injury, he’s regarded as the top back on just about everyone’s big board.

Gurley has incredible ability that NFL teams are excited about. He’s got a lot of power in his lower body and can easily run through arm tackles. At the same time, he has quick feet and enough speed to break away from defenders.

Unlike Gordon, it seems highly improbable that Gurley will last long enough to reach the Cowboys. If Jones wants the premier runner in this draft, he’s going to have to pay for it.

Kevin Johnson, CB, Wake Forest

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The next position of vital importance is cornerback. Dallas is lacking depth at the position and is in desperate need of a playmaker in the secondary. The good thing for the front office is that there should be several players to choose from.

Wake Forest’s Kevin Johnson is on that list. He’s solid in man-to-man and can cause a lot of problems for receivers while pressing. At 6’0”, he’s got quality height, but more importantly, he’s flexible around the field. He would often follow team’s best receivers for the duration of games.

Although scouts are mildly concerned about his small frame, Johnson will most likely be a first-rounder. In today’s NFL, teams can never have enough coverage. Johnson would be a good fit for the Cowboys.

Byron Jones, CB, Connecticut

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Another corner who could find a starting role with Dallas is Connecticut’s Byron Jones. The former Husky flew under the radar for the majority of the college football season, but has emerged since the combine.

Beyond posting some ridiculous numbers in drills like the broad jump and three-cone drill, Jones is someone to be excited about on the field too.

He’s a smart player who uses his instincts to make plays on balls consistently. Jones is also regarded as a leader both on and off the field.

There may be a number of cornerbacks for Dallas to choose from, but Jones could very well be the best option late in Round 1.

Malcom Brown, DT, Texas

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The other position Dallas might hone in on is defensive tackle. With the departure of Henry Melton, the defensive front is particularly thin and could use a new playmaker to team with Tyrone Crawford.

Dallas re-signed veteran Nick Hayden and have Terrell McClain and Josh Brent at its expense. These guys are nice role players, but none look like potential stars.

Someone who could change that is Texas’ Malcom Brown. The Bronko Nagurski Trophy finalist is a game-changer with impressive durability, as he started every game over the last two years.

With his stock rising, it’s quite possible Brown will be gone by Dallas’ pick, but the Cowboys would sure love to keep his talents in Texas.

Eddie Goldman, DT, Florida State

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Eddie Goldman is a solid backup option if Brown has already been selected. The Florida State Seminole was first-team All-ACC in 2014 and could easily fight for a starting position along the Cowboys’ defensive front.

His powerful upper body allows him to control the line and defend the run well. Goldman has exceptional hands and good explosion at the snap, which allows him to shed defenders and get into the backfield.

Goldman’s biggest weakness is his inconsistency in getting to the quarterback. However, with someone like Crawford next to him drawing attention, Goldman could get much better. He will be a threat to start next season if Dallas can snag him next week.