Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

The Dallas Cowboys took everybody by surprise last year as they went 12-4. Now, it is time for them to select players who can allow their upward trend to continue. 

The Cowboys appear to have one of the best offenses in the NFL with Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and the offensive line; however, they should be in the market for a running back in this year's draft. 

On defense, Dallas has plenty of needs. It needs to find a defensive end who can get after the passer opposite of DeMarcus Lawrence, especially with Greg Hardy's suspension. It needs to get depth along the interior defensive line at both the nose and under tackle positions. 

The Cowboys also could look for depth at the linebacker position, especially with the injury histories of Sean lee and Rolando McClain. At cornerback, the Cowboys need to find a player who can be a dynamic cover cornerback opposite of Orlando Scandrick because Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne haven't been cutting it. 

It is hard to predict whom the Cowboys may target without being at Valley Ranch; however, let's take a look at what the Cowboys' big board could look like at some of their positions of need. These are players who have a realistic shot at being available when the Cowboys are on the clock.  

Defensive End

The Cowboys didn't get enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks last year, and they have tried to remedy that this offseason. They signed Greg Hardy, but he is going to miss significant time due to his recently announced suspension. Therefore, the Cowboys will likely still be in the market for defensive ends in this draft class. Luckily for them, this class is deep and full of potential impact players coming off the edge.

Randy Gregory, Nebraska

A month ago, it seemed almost impossible that Gregory would be a viable option at No. 27 for Dallas. However, he tested positive for marijuana at the NFL Scouting Combine, which has caused his stock to start to free-fall.

This free fall could allow the Cowboys to take advantage and snag, quite possibly, the most talented edge-rusher in the draft. Gregory has some weight issues, as he weighed in at 238 at the combine, but he plays with great core strength and hand usage on the edge. 

As a pass-rusher, Gregory has the explosive, flexibility and pass-rush repertoire to make a big impact right away for Dallas. The idea of defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli being able to develop Gregory should have Cowboys fans salivating. 

Shane Ray, Missouri

Another player no one thought would fall to the Cowboys a month ago is Shane Ray. As is the case with Gregory, Ray's stock is in free fall because of a recent citation and lingering concerns over a toe injury he sustained last year.   

As a pass-rusher, Ray has incredible snap anticipation and the competitive toughness coaches will love. He can win outside with speed, or he can dart inside with a beautiful inside rip move. Ray doesn't have the ability to bend like some of the other top pass-rushers, but he makes up for it with effort. 

As a run defender, Ray is still a work in progress, as he needs to keep his body in better alignment and use leverage on a more consistent basis. Ray would be a great nickel-based rusher who can make a big difference on third downs. 

Owamagbe Odighizuwa, UCLA

One of the most complete defensive ends in the draft is UCLA's Owamagbe Odighizuwa. Unlike most defensive ends in this draft, Odighizuwa is a fantastic run defender who understands how to use his hands, hips and feet to generate a ton of power. Odighizuwa also has the quickness to penetrate, which the Cowboys should love. 

As a pass-rusher, Odighizuwa is not someone who will capture the edge on a consistent basis, but he uses speed-to-power better than almost anyone else in this class. He can win with a quick inside move, and he can win with his hands in tight spaces. 

Odighizuwa has the versatility to play defensive end in base and slide down to defensive tackle in the nickel because of his size (6'3", 267 lbs), strength and quickness.

The biggest question mark surrounding Odighizuwa is how healthy his hips are, and it will likely be the defining factor in determining where Odighizuwa ends up going in this draft.  

Frank Clark, Michigan

One of the more controversial prospects in this draft is Michigan's Frank Clark. He has a myriad of off-field concerns that will likely cause a lot of teams to take him completely off their board. 

Nevertheless, you cannot discount the type of player Clark is on the field. He is a plus athlete who can win with speed on the edge or covert that speed to power and beat the offensive lineman through contact. 

Also, Clark plays the run well as he is disciplined and understands how to stack and shed opposing linemen. On the Cowboys, Frank Clark could step in as a starter if need be, or he can be a fantastic rotational defensive end who plays a lot of snaps at both defensive end spots. 

If he were clean off the field, Clark would likely go very high, but with those character concerns, it is anyone's guess as to where he will end up going.  

Trey Flowers, Arkansas

One of the most underrated prospects in this draft is Arkansas' Trey Flowers. He may be the best run defender in this class at defensive end, as he uses his length and strength extremely well. He resets the line of scrimmage against zone runs, and he will dominate at the point of attack against NFL offensive tackles.

As a pass-rusher, Flowers is a lot like Odighizuwa but without the athleticism. Flowers has some explosion to his game, but he lacks the quickness that Odighizuwa has.  Flowers wins with power and hand usage as he usually bull-rushes offensive tackles back into a quarterback's lap.

Flowers could step in right away and be one of the Cowboys' best run defenders as he develops more as a pass-rusher. 

Obum Gwacham, Oregon State

The last name on this list is a late-round sleeper who may be an intriguing option for the Cowboys in Oregon State's Obum Gwacham. 

He is a converted wide receiver who is very quick and explosive off the snap. He has a long ways to go with his technique, but he is like a big ball of clay for the Cowboys coaching staff to mold. He has fantastic length, and he plays with a high motor on every play.

Gwacham is an interesting name to keep an eye on, as he could be someone the Cowboys look to develop into a very good defensive end in the coming years.  

Running Back

The most obvious need on the Cowboys roster is at running back. DeMarco Murray is gone, and the Cowboys are void of a bell-cow type of running back. Darren McFadden is a decent option, but you can't trust his injury history. Joseph Randle is another player who could be an option, but it is hard to trust him.  

Todd Gurley would likely be No. 1 on the Cowboys' list, but it seems like it is extremely unlikely that he will be available. 

Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin 

One of the best running backs in this class is Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon. He is a dynamic player with the ball in his hands, as he is extremely explosive with great lateral agility. He also plays with more power than most give him credit for as he has the ability to get the tough yards and move a pile. 

He doesn't have the best vision in the class, and he tends to freelance and bounce the ball outside a tad too much. If he can become more disciplined, he can potentially be the best running back from this class. 

Gordon has the potential to be an incredibly productive running back behind the Cowboys offensive line as he would see good holes, and his athletic abilities would allow him to take full advantage. 

Duke Johnson, Miami

The running back who may be the best fit for the Cowboys is Miami's Duke Johnson; he has the ability to play on all three downs, as he is an incredible receiver out of the backfield and a better-than-average pass protector. 

As a runner, Johnson is the best zone runner in this class, outside of Gurley. He understands how to pace his runs, press and cut through holes and manipulate defenders with his movement. Johnson has fantastic vision, and he consistently appears to understand what defenders at the second level are doing before he even gets to the line of scrimmage. 

Johnson is rather elusive and can layer jump cuts together as well as anyone in this class. He has some troubling injury history, but he could turn into a top-five running back in the NFL behind this offensive line. 

T.J. Yeldon, Alabama

An extremely underrated running back in this class is Alabama's T.J. Yeldon. He may be the most complete running back in the draft, as he is a fantastic pass protector with very good receiving skills out of the backfield. 

Yeldon has fantastic vision and some of the best lateral agility in the class. He puts together multiple moves to make defenders miss, and he knows how to read his keys extremely well. He doesn't have great long speed, but he has the explosiveness to get to the second level extremely quickly. 

Yeldon is another running back who could be extremely productive behind this offensive line. 

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

Nebraska's Ameer Abdullah is one of the most exciting running backs in the draft, as he is a big play waiting to happen. He can make an impact as a running back and as a returner on special teams. 

At 5'9" and 205 pounds, he is undersized, but he uses it to his advantage, as he is extremely quick, explosive and agile with the ball in his hands. He is an extremely intelligent football player who tends to always make the smart play and only take risks when they have a better chance than not at paying off. 

He needs to figure out how to be better in pass protection, and he has been plagued with fumble issues throughout his career. However, if the Cowboys want a big-play threat who can do it in multiple ways, Abdullah could be their guy.

Tevin Coleman, Indiana

Tevin Coleman has the home run speed that every other running back in this class is lacking. If you give Coleman a crease, he can take it for six almost every time. 

The problem for Coleman comes when he doesn't have a clearly defined crease and has to get the dirty yards on a consistent basis. He doesn't vary his stride length at all, and he doesn't pace his runs on outside zones very well. 

Nevertheless, Coleman is great when he has space to get downhill, as he hits holes extremely hard. He is another three-down running back who can pass protect well and catch the ball out of the backfield. 

Jay Ajayi, Boise State

The last running back on this list is falling a little bit because some teams are worried about a lingering knee issue that could affect Ajayi's durability in the NFL, according to Draft Insider's Tony Pauline.  

Ajayi is a dynamic running back with great burst, flexibility and balance to absorb contact. If his knee checks out, he has shown the ability to be a bell-cow type of running back. 

Ajayi isn't the best protector, but he is a willing one. He does a great job getting the ball out of the backfield, and he could be a huge threat in that respect. 

Cornerback

Troy Wayrynen/Associated Press

With the uncertainty surrounding Brandon Carr and his future in Dallas, coupled with Morris Claiborne's inability to stay healthy and play consistently good football, the Cowboys have a big need at cornerback. The Cowboys desperately need to develop a cornerback who can play opposite of Orlando Scandrick at a high level. 

Trae Waynes and Kevin Johnson would likely be high on this list, but it is unlikely that either will be available when Dallas is on the clock. 

Byron Jones, Connecticut

The best athlete in this entire class, regardless of position, Byron Jones also is a very good cornerback prospect.  

Jones is a great press-man cornerback who knows how to get his hands on receivers and disrupt their routes on a consistent basis. His athleticism comes into play when he has to recover when he is initially beaten or when he has to go up in the air and contest balls at the catch point. 

He also understands how to off coverage and read route combinations and pattern-match at a high level. He is an extremely intelligent player who consistently makes smart decisions on the football field. 

Jones would be a fantastic option for the Cowboys at No. 27, and he could really improve the Cowboys secondary right away. 

Marcus Peters, Washington

Marcus Peters is another extremely talented player with character concerns whom the Cowboys may target in the first round. 

Peters is the best man-coverage cornerback in this draft, as he effortlessly mirrors opposing receivers and can jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupt their route. 

Peters has some warts playing off coverage, but he has the instincts and intelligence to substantially improve there as well. 

If the Cowboys decide they want to play a ton of man coverage this year, there would be no better cornerback to target than Peters. 

Jalen Collins, LSU

The Cowboys have had poor luck with LSU cornerbacks in the past, but Jalen Collins could be the player to break that mold. He has the size (6'1", 203 lbs) and length that the Cowboys covet in cornerbacks to go along with the deep speed to recover when he is beaten. 

The problem with Collins is he lacks the change of direction to be an elite cover cornerback against breaking routes and comebacks because his hips are a little bit stiff. 

However, if he can learn to get his technique to a level where he can mask that stiffness, then he could potentially be a great cornerback for the Cowboys. 

Steven Nelson, Oregon State

At 5'10" and 197 pounds, he may not have the size you want, but you won't find a more fearless competitor than Oregon State's Steven Nelson in this year's draft.

Nelson is an extremely physical and aggressive cornerback who doesn't back down from any challenge. He did a great job against ASU's Jaelen Strong this year, which points to how talented of a cornerback he is.

He isn't the most athletic cornerback and, like Collins, has some stiff hips. However, Nelson could be a great option in the third or fourth round, and he could step in as a nickel cornerback right away. 

Alex Carter, Stanford

Stanford's Alex Carter has good size for a cornerback at 6'0" and 196 pounds, and he plays with a lot of intelligent aggressiveness. He plays with patience and understands how to read route combinations extremely well. He is a good player in run support and doesn't shy away from contact. 

When a receiver gets inside leverage on him, he struggles to recover, and he needs to do a better job of getting to his spot at the top of a receiver's route. 

Carter is another good mid-round option who could potentially develop into a very good No. 2 cornerback for the Cowboys in the future. 

Defensive Tackle

Michael Conroy/Associated Press

Tyrone Crawford exploded on the scene last year as a great defensive tackle in the NFL for the Cowboys; however, the Cowboys don't have anyone who has proved he can be productive behind or beside Crawford. The Cowboys could look to improve the depth at the under tackle position or even look for a player who could start at nose tackle in this year's draft.  

Carl Davis, Iowa

Iowa's Carl Davis was hindered by Iowa's defensive scheme last year, which is a big reason why he wasn't very productive. Davis fits best as a one-gapping under or nose tackle in the NFL, which is exactly what the Cowboys do.

Davis has the quickness to penetrate through his gap and the strength to hold up at the point of attack. Davis didn't show it consistently, but he can be a productive pass-rusher. He can win with an effective club or spin move to get past interior offensive linemen, which is something the Cowboys have missed. 

Davis needs to be more consistent on a snap-by-snap basis but has the potential to be a top-tier interior defensive lineman for the Cowboys.

Michael Bennett, Ohio State

Ohio State's Michael Bennett is one of the best penetrating defensive tackles in this draft class. He is an ideal fit as an under tackle in the Cowboys' scheme and can be very productive in a rotation with Crawford. 

Bennett wins early in plays with his first-step quickness, leverage and great hand-fighting techniques. Against the run, he is a disruptor who tries to blow up plays in the backfield on a consistent basis. 

He needs to do a better job of shedding blocks when he is engaged, but the fact that he can get upfield quickly will be very intriguing for the Cowboys. 

Grady Jarrett, Clemson

Clemson's Grady Jarrett is another interior defensive lineman in the mold of Aaron Donald from last year's draft class. Jarrett is another extremely quick defensive tackle who loves to penetrate his gap and get into opposing backfields.

Jarrett utilizes leverage extremely well as he gets under the pads of opposing linemen and presses them back on a consistent basis. He can get hung up on blocks like Bennett, but he plays with relentless effort and won't stop until the whistle is blown.

Jarrett could be a dynamic defensive tackle for the Cowboys, and he would give them a fantastic one-two punch with Crawford at the under tackle position.  

Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Southern Mississippi

One player who could be an option on Day 3 is Southern Mississippi's Rakeem Nunez-Roches. He could be an option as a nose or under tackle in the Cowboys' scheme, as he understands how to play off blocks and how to get upfield and penetrate his gap.  

He is another player who plays with a nonstop motor, as he made several plays down the field that most defensive linemen wouldn't even attempt to make. He needs to play better with his hands and keep his head up while engaging with blockers so he can find the ball. 

Nunez-Roches would be a great option at this point in the draft, as he could develop into an integral part in the Cowboys' defensive line rotation. 

Darius Philon, Arkansas

Another intriguing option on Day 3 at defensive tackle is Arkansas' Darius Philon. Unlike Nunez-Roches, Philon is strictly an under tackle whose whole game is predicated on getting upfield quickly. 

Philon has some of the best burst off the snap in this class, and he can really put opposing linemen in a bind early. He is a very good interior pass-rusher who could produce well in the NFL. 

He is undersized at 6'1" and 298 pounds, and he tends to get engulfed at the point of attack. When he doesn't win early, he usually doesn't win at all, which is a big reason why he is available on Day 3.

Linebacker

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

With the injury history of Sean Lee and Rolando McClain, the Cowboys have to have good depth at the linebacker position in case either is hurt. Furthermore, McClain is only on a one-year deal, so the Cowboys need to find someone for the future. 

Eric Kendricks, UCLA

The most well-rounded linebacker in this draft is UCLA's Eric Kendricks. He can cover running backs and tight ends on a consistent basis. 

Kendricks is the most instinctive linebacker in this class and knows how to key and diagnose extremely well. He is a very sound tackler who comes to balance well in the open field. He needs to get a little bit better at taking on blocks, but he is still a fantastic linebacker. 

Kendricks would fit in as a "Mike" or "Will" linebacker for Dallas, and he could make a huge impact at either position for the Cowboys. 

Shaq Thompson, Washington

An interesting linebacker prospect is Washington's Shaq Thompson. He has played extensive time as a running back, safety and linebacker while at Washington, which allowed him to develop a wide range of skills. 

Thompson is a great coverage linebacker who does a great job flowing the ball and making tackles. He struggles to take on blocks, which makes him purely a "Will" linebacker prospect. 

Thompson is a playmaker who always seems to find his way around the ball. He is a big boom-or-bust prospect because he needs to get better with some of the subtleties of playing linebacker. 

Paul Dawson, TCU

Paul Dawson is a player who is below average athletically but has some of the best instincts in the draft. He lacks some of the short-area explosiveness, but his instincts more than make up for it. 

He flows the ball extremely well, and he made a ton of plays while at TCU. He has shown the ability to cover, but he tends to get too handsy at times. Dawson isn't very big, so he struggles getting off blocks and can have trouble stopping bigger backs. 

However, you can't teach his instincts, and he could thrive for Dallas as a "Mike" or "Will" linebacker.

Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

Mississippi State's Benardrick McKinney is the classic big linebacker who likes to run and hit. He plays off blocks well, and when he hits a running back, he is going down, regardless of size.

McKinney's instincts and ability to key and diagnose are sometimes lacking, but when he sees it, he usually makes the play. His biggest problem is that he is bad in coverage, as he can't turn and run with running backs or tight ends with any consistency. 

McKinney's size (6'4", 246 lbs) and play style fit best as a "Mike" or "Sam" linebacker, as he is one of the few linebackers who can win at the point of attack. 

Damien Wilson, Minnesota

Minnesota's Damien Wilson is a productive linebacker who can play all three linebacker positions if need be. He does a good job of dropping into zone coverage and knows how to read an opposing quarterback's eyes and make a play on the ball.

Wilson needs to be more disciplined and learn to come to balance in the open field. He tends to over-run plays, and he needs to play more controlled. However, he would be a very good mid-round option who could make an impact similar to what Anthony Hitchens had last year. 

Wilson would significantly improve the Cowboys' depth initially, and he has the upside to develop into a starter down the road.