Dallas Cowboys 2011 NFL Mock Draft: First Class of Post-Wade Phillips Era

Tony Romo's injury erased the little hope the Dallas Cowboys had left to make the playoffs and the same hope that Wade Phillips had to keep his job.

On paper, the Cowboys are arguably the most talented team in the NFL.

With the right coaching staff in place, along with another solid draft class, the Cowboys could easily rebound in 2011 and be the top contender they were supposed to be this year.

Here is an early Dallas Cowboys 2011 seven-round Mock Draft.

First Round: Patrick Peterson (CB, LSU)

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - SEPTEMBER 25: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State Univeristy Tigers celebrates after scoring a touchdown by posing as the Heisman Trophy against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Tiger Stadium on September 25, 2010 in Baton Rouge

Who: Peterson is one of the most gifted cornerback prospects to enter the draft in the last decade. He possesses elite speed and not only puts that ability to work in coverage, but as a return man as well.

Why: Mike Jenkins has taken a step back from last season, and Terence Newman isn't getting any younger. Peterson is arguably the best player in the entire draft.

Second Round: Marcus Cannon (G, TCU)

Who: Cannon is a physical specimen standing 6'6" and weighing 350 pounds. He is a dominant blocker and a force at the point of attack.

Why: Kyle Kosier is a free agent this upcoming offseason. Plus, either way the Cowboys could use an upgrade on the offensive line.

Third Round: Sione Fua (NT, Stanford)

Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

PALO ALTO, CA - OCTOBER 09: Sione Fua #92 of the Stanford Cardinal celebrates after he sacked Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on October 9, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Who: Fua is the second highest-rated nose tackle in this upcoming draft.

Why: Free safety is much more of a need, but there isn't much value at this point in the draft. The selection of Fua would give the Cowboys the freedom to shift Jay Ratliff over to defensive end, where he is more suited.

Fourth Round: Will Hill (FS, Florida)

Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

GAINESVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: Will Hill #10 of the Florida Gators lines up during the game against the Troy Trojans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Who: Hill is the best value in the middle rounds in 2011 in a very weak safety class.

Why: The Cowboys aren't very talented at the free safety position—so much so that Hill could probably challenge for playing time right away.

Fifth Round: Pat Devlin (QB, Delaware)

Who: Devlin has one of the higher upsides as a prototypical pocket passer in the 2011 draft class. At 6'4", 220, he possesses a rocket for an arm.

Why: Obviously the Cowboys have nothing behind Tony Romo, and Devlin could turn out to be an immediate upgrade. Falling in the draft after competing against inferior competition, he may be able to eventually replace Romo.

Sixth Round: Lee Ziemba (OT, Auburn)

Who: Ziemba stands at an incredible 6'8", bringing undeniable physical tools to the table.

Why: The Cowboys don't really have any more areas of need. They have three offensive tackles set to enter free agency next offseason, so depth could end up being an issue.

Seventh Round: Phillip Livas (RS, Louisiana Tech)

Who: Livas is this draft class' Trindon Holliday. He is an undersized return specialist with lightning speed.

Why: With three touchdowns on the season, Dez Bryant has the punt return duties locked down. The Cowboys could use an upgrade on kickoffs though, as Akwasi Owusu-Ansah only averages 21.7 yards a return.