NFL Combine 2011: 10 Prospects Dallas Cowboys Fans Must Watch

With the National Football League’s annual combine just two days away, NFL fans are salivating to see their favorite prospects jump high, lift weights and run fast. Teams will travel to Indianapolis to grade these players on how quickly they can change directions and how explosive a player can be off the ball.

The Dallas Cowboys have a few needs that need addressing, like cornerback, safety, offensive lineman, linebacker and a few more spots.

Since Jerry and his crew are heading up to Indy this week to take a look at the college talent, allow me to tell you about 10 players you should watch for this week at the NFL combine.

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 wide receiver Wes Kemp #8 of the during second half action of their game at Memorial Stadium on October 30, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska

Prince is projected to go in the top 10 in this year’s draft, but I swear his draft position changes with every mock. Either way, the Cowboys need to take a look at the now former Nebraska corner as he may be a great addition to a team in desperate need of help in the defensive backfield.

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs through the defense of the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers defeated the

With the Cowboys slated to pick ninth, it's highly doubtful that Peterson will be available by then. However, with such a great need at corner, Peterson has the speed and agility needed for the position—plus he’s a great special teams player.

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

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AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 10: Jordan Shipley #8 of the Texas Longhorns wrestles for control of the ball with cornerback Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes for an incomplete pass on October 10, 2009 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium in Austin, Tex

Notice a trend here? Standing at 6'2" with a strong 40 time of 4.49, Smith could turn out to be an outstanding cornerback in the NFL. He has a great set of hands and can get really aggressive in coverage. Jerry should take a look at him in case he decides to trade down.

Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 10: Nick Fairley #90 of the Auburn Tigers reacts during their Tostitos BCS National Championship Game against the Oregon Ducks at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 10, 2011 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

Fairley is projected first in some drafts but I’ve been hearing a lot that Dallas should take a look at him. Nick is just about the same size as Ratliff and the downside to Ratliff is that he’s to small for the nose tackle position.

Still, Fairley was a beast of a college player and has a “dirty” side to him as well.

Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Bowers stock in the draft is top one day and fifth the next, so who knows where he may end up. However, Bowers saw his stock shoot up this past season as he recorded 16 sacks and 41 solo tackles.

The Cowboys need a little help off the edge, and if Bowers can prove to stop the run then he should most definitely be on their board.

Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama

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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)

Three-hundred-and-six lbs. is nothing to sneeze at, and if he adds about 10 pounds worth of muscle, he could be a real force in the middle for the ‘Boys. If Ratliff is moved outside to defensive end, then the Cowboys defensive line could be a force in the NFC Beast.

Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 07: Thaddeus Lewis #9 of the Duke Blue Devils is sacked by Robert Quinn #42 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty

Quinn didn’t play in 2010 due to rules violations, but he had a great 2009 and that year alone should get him top-10 draft pick money. At 270 lbs. and 6'5", Quinn could be a great replacement for a possibly departing Marcus Spears.

Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

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TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers sets to block against the Tennessee Volunteers in the 2008 Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2008 in Tampa, Florida. The Volunteers won 21 - 17. (Photo by Al Mess

The Cowboys have needed help on the offensive line since late 2007, but I digress. Romo wasn’t hurt due to a missed assignment by an offensive lineman, but by a fullback.

However, Romo was getting plowed because of inconsistent offensive line play. Carimi is a big guy, 6'8" and 320 lbs., but will that size translate to success in the NFL—that is the question.

Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases down ballcarrier Keith Carlos #1 of the Purdue Boilermakers at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Heyward is the son of former NFL running back Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, so you know he’s a tough kid. He’s not the fastest DE in the world, but he’s a grinder and his attitude and work ethic would fit well on a Cowboys defensive line not known for its names.

J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers defends a pass by quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansez

The knock on Watt is that he isn’t an elite pass rusher, and if Jerry is looking for a guy to rack up a bunch of sacks, he may as well look elsewhere. Watt was known for stopping the run and has one of those non-stop motors.

If the Cowboys fail to choose Prince at number nine, the likelihood of Watt being chosen continues to rise.