NFL Draft: The Dallas Cowboys and the Race for the No. 1 Overall Draft Pick
As we inch towards the end of the season and the playoffs, an aspect of the game is usually forgotten—the ability for a team to get the No. 1 overall selection in next season's NFL draft.
Although a lot of attention goes towards the playoff-bound teams this time of year, it's still important to see how the other teams play out to see where your favorite college star will land in next year's NFL draft.
Here is the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.
Minnesota Vikings
1 of 10
After almost making it to the Super Bowl last season, the Vikings have had a year that most people in Minnesota would like to forget. Led by Father Time (Brett Favre), the Vikings have had a record of 3-7 and even fired their head coach, Brad Childress.
The Vikings tried to help out Favre by trading for their former star Randy Moss, but released him soon thereafter, and he was picked up by the Tennessee Titans. Although they are a dark-horse pick for the No. 1 overall draft selection, if they cannot get their team chemistry figured out, they just might be able to get that coveted pick.
Arizona Cardinals
2 of 10
Arizona has had a season that could easily be forgotten. Now that I think about it, do the Cardinals even play in the NFL anymore?
Well, all jokes aside, they do play in the NFL, if you want to call it playing. The Cardinals have a record of 3-8 and don't seem to be gaining any ground. Still, they are ranked third in the pitiful NFC West, which is just awful this season.
It might be an advantage for the Cardinals to get a high draft pick, because their lack of a decent quarterback is evident.
Cleveland Browns
3 of 10
The Browns just haven't had a good season in what seems like ages. Under the new management of team president Mike Holmgren, they were expected to start rebuilding in what would be a great season of football for Browns fans.
This did not happen, and the Browns are just as down as they were before. The one bright spot for the Browns has come from running back Peyton Hillis, who has run for 774 yards and eight touchdowns.
Along with Hillis, they are playing rookie quarterback Colt McCoy, who is looking decent this early in his career. Maybe, with their good draft picks, they could get Colt someone to throw the ball to?
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Denver Broncos
4 of 10
Josh McDaniels is on the hot seat now, if he wasn't before. With a team so loaded in talent, why can't the Broncos win a game? It must be the coaching.
The Broncos have a record of 3-8, and if they cannot get their season turned around, it will be out with McDaniels. The Broncos look to be on their way to securing a good draft pick and having their playoff hopes in the draft.
San Francisco 49ers
5 of 10
This is another team that had high hopes at the beginning of the season, but slipped down a path to destruction. Many experts expected this team to make the playoffs, and even make some noise in the playoffs, but they were mistaken.
San Fransisco has been a mess from the start. Now, starting quarterback Troy Smith, the former Heisman Trophy winner out of Ohio State, who knows what could happen to this team. Unlike Denver, their playoff hopes are not gone, because the NFC West is so weak this year. They have a record of 3-8 and are still only two games out of the division lead.
Dallas Cowboys
6 of 10
The Cowboys have not had a very good season so far, and it has been rather disappointing to watch. The Cowboys, who had come into the season with the hope of making the Super Bowl in their own stadium, have been disappointed.
Although since the ousting of head coach Wade Phillips, they have gone 2-0, they have played weak teams. They will now start facing real opponents and will show what they can really do.
With Jon Kitna at the lead, it could be a long rest of the season for America's Team. Although a dark horse for the first pick, it could still happen.
Detroit Lions
7 of 10
The Lions have had another disappointing season, but are starting to show signs of life again. Although only winning two games this season, they have had stellar receiver play and great play by Ndamukong Suh.
Look for the Lions to be back within the next decade, as they are a young team. Now, if only they can get some offensive linemen to help protect Stafford.
Cincinnati Bengals
8 of 10
After what was supposed to be a great season, Cincinnati fans are looking around at each other like, "What just happened?" After only winning two games so far this season, the Bengals have a lot of work to do over the offseason.
Don't expect T.O. to be back with the team next season, as he has proved more of a distraction than a player, minus one good game.
They will be able to use this great draft pick to get someone who will actually help their team.
Buffalo Bills
9 of 10
Buffalo isn't having a good year, either. With high expectations and a highly touted run game going into the season, the Bills were subject to injuries and things out of their control.
Maybe it's a good thing that Buffalo has a legitimate shot at the No. 1 draft pick, because they need some serious talent on their team to help out with what has been a dismal few years.
Carolina Panthers
10 of 10
The Panthers have not had the best of years. After a ton of injuries, they just have been outplayed. They currently have the worst record in the NFL, recording only one win this season. Although the Panthers have a lot of young talent, they just don't seem to be going anywhere as a team.
If they get the No. 1 draft pick, they should also consider getting another coach, because it's time for a change in Carolina.
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