2011 NFL Mock Draft: First Round Prospects the Dallas Cowboys Must Target

Since we have two weeks until we reach the Super Bowl we have plenty of time to discuss an NFL fan’s favorite way to discredit each other: The NFL draft. The Dallas Cowboys hold the 9^th pick in the 1^st round of the 2011 NFL draft. Dallas needs help on the offensive line, the secondary, the defensive line, the linebackers, and on special teams.

Should the Cowboys draft a kicker in the first round who can actually kick field goals or a corner back who knows how to play man coverage? I think we can pretty much discount a field goal kicker in the first round but the Cowboys have so many needs it’s impossible to address them all in the first round but I’ll most definitely try to it in one slideshow.

Here are five prospects the Cowboys should target in the first round.

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - OCTOBER 30: Cornerback Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver T.J. Moe #28 of the Missouri Tigers during first half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln

ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has Prince going to the ‘Boys in his mock but I’m sure that may change after the combine happens. I love Prince’s potential, he was named Big 12 defensive player of the year, and he was named to the 2009 and 2010 All-Big 12 defensive first team.

This past season Prince and the Cornhuskers secondary held potential first round pick, quarterback Jake Locker, to a 4-20 performance. I hate the word shutdown but Prince has that type of potential.

Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 02: Marcell Dareus #57 of the Alabama Crimson Tide against the Florida Gators at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 2, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Dareus is a large young man standing at 6 foot 4 inches tall and 306 pounds. He’s probably best known for his play in the BCS National Championship game last year and for his involvement in the agent party in Miami scandal. Either way, he’s going to make a ton of money in the NFL now that he no longer wears the Crimson and white.

I’m not sure how well he’ll fit in to the Cowboys new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s scheme but it may be one of those situations where a player this good is to good to pass on. The Cowboys should still look to a cornerback or an offensive lineman before drafting Dareus but if they do he can bring some help on the line.

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs back an interception against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty I

I’ve seen Peterson fall as far as 10^th in some mock drafts and as high as number one in a few others. Patrick is considered to be the best defensive back in the draft and his special team abilities aide his stock as well.

I still like Prince better than Peterson as I seem as having more NFL potential but Patrick’s versatility is something the Cowboys may be able to use in Ryan’s defensive scheme.

Akem Ayers, LB, UCLA

Jeff Gross/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - DECEMBER 04: Sean Westgate #11 of the UCLA Bruins breaks up a pass intended for Jordan Cameron #84 of the USC Trojans during the first half at the Rose Bowl on December 4, 2010 in Pasadena, California. USC defeated UCLA 28-14. (Photo by J

This one is a stretch because the Cowboys aren’t hurting at linebacker but they could use a couple of upgrades. If Jerry goes after Akem in the first round them I’m sure he’s going to receive a few nasty fan letters back at Valley Ranch but I digress. But Ayers athleticism reminds me a little of DeMarcus Ware as he has hybrid capabilities as he can play up or down.

Of course Akem can’t block for Romo but if he rushes the passer like Ware then I’m sure the Cowboys won’t complain about extra sacks or bad field position for the opposing team.

Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

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BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04: Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns rushes against Nate Solder #78 the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

I’m sure Nate won’t be taken this high as he a late to early second round pick at least. But with the Cowboys offensive line aging and battered maybe it’s not that huge of a stretch. Some reports state that Solder is the best offensive lineman available in the draft and if that’s the cast then maybe Jerry should take him.