NFL Draft 2011: Who Should the Dallas Cowboys Select in the First Round?

As the 2011 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys look to redeem themselves after a 6-10 record in 2010.

The Cowboys had Super Bowl implications, but began the season with a rough start, and exposed several weaknesses in the offensive line and defensive secondary. Tony Romo's midseason broken collarbone played a major part in the miserable season for Dallas, too.

The fact of the matter is that Dallas must obtain better pass protection for Tony Romo. The team began the season without Mark Columbo and Kyle Kosier on the offensive line, and replacement tackle Alex Barron brought the Cowboys a Week 1 loss with a holding call on the last play. Flozell Adams also left for Pittsburgh after the 2009 season.

The Cowboys now believe in new head coach Jason Garrett, but they have to provide him with the proper talent to excel at his job. The Cowboys have enough offensive position players, and should strongly consider drafting some pass protection.

Let's take a look at their options with the ninth pick...

Don't Draft Cam Newton

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SAN DIEGO, CA - FEBRUARY 10: 2010 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Cam Newton of Auburn throws the ball during his workout routine for the media at Cathedral High School's sports stadium on February 10, 2011 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horn

Newton could possibly be the most talented player in the NFL Draft, but the team already has a franchise quarterback in Tony Romo.

Unless the Cowboys are hiding something in terms of the severity of Romo's season-ending injury, they should hold on to Romo to run the offense. Newton is only a rookie, and as expected, his development process will take time.

If Jerry Jones wants to contend immediately, he can't expect to wait for the most important position on the field to develop.

The Cowboys have too many other problems on the offensive line for Newton to succeed as a rookie. In fact, Jon Kitna would probably fare better than Newton if the Cowboys were to get rid of Romo.

Selecting Cam Newton would be typical Cowboy "flashy," but not necessarily smart. Stay away.

Nebraska CB Prince Amukamara

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Prince Amukamara #21 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers misses a chance at an interception from Scotty McKnight #21 of the Colorado Buffaloes during the second half of their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Neb

The star corner back is currently ranked eighth on ESPN's "Big Board."

At 6'1" and 205 pounds, Amukamara had a phenomenal senior season in 2010. He was voted Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was a First-Team All-American. Amukamara amazingly held his opponents to 18 receptions on 52 attempts.

Nebraska played 14 total games in 2010, which averages out to three passes a game attempted against Amukamara. He also added 58 tackles.

If this young stud is available, the Cowboys should grab him considering Terence Newman's injury problems and Mike Jenkins' penalty woes.

Dallas needs help at safety too, as both Stanley Ball and Gerald Sensabaugh aren't cutting it.

Colorado OT Nate Solder

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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)

At 6'8", 314 pounds, Nate Solder is massive. 

He was voted Big 12 Lineman of the Year by the conference's coaches, as he dominated in 2010.

Solder runs a 4.89 second 40-yard dash, which is absolutely tremendous. He was also awarded Colorado's season MVP, as he converted 94.3 percent of his blocks in the regular season according to nfldraftscout.com.

Solder is extremely athletic for his size, as he might be able to play all over the offensive line. His presence would eliminate dealing with the inconsistencies of either left tackle Doug Free or possibly guard Leonard Davis.

As mentioned earlier, drafting a top offensive lineman is in Dallas' best interest.

Southern California OT Tyron Smith

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TEMPE, AZ - NOVEMBER 7: Tyron Smith #70 of the USC Trojans stretches before the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils on November 7, 2009 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona. USC won 14-9. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

Like Nate Solder, Tyron Smith's selection would be based more on value. Selecting an offensive lineman is not a sexy pick, especially for the Cowboys, but it is necessary.

Smith is a mammoth 6'5" and weighs in at 307 pounds. He has started the last two seasons at right tackle for the Trojans, and has entered the draft after three years of college experience.

Smith's height plays a major role in terms of his effectiveness, as he helped USC gain 189.8 rushing yards per game in 2010. The Cowboys' rushing game went astray last season when Felix Jones failed to be consistent.

It is very important for Tony Romo to develop a solid relationship with his linemen while they are young, so Dallas should take advantage of this Pac 10 First-Team lineman and draft him for the sake of the offense.

Wisconsin DE/DT J.J. Watt

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes the TCU Horned Frogs in the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Watt is an absolute warrior. If the Cowboys want to make things easier for DeMarcus Ware on the left side, they should consider drafting him.

Marcus Spears is no longer with the team, leaving Stephen Bowen to assume the starting role at left defensive end.

J.J. Watt's ability to generate pressure off the edge will be key to freeing Ware, as Watt has tremendous speed. He finished 2010 with 61 total tackles, 20.5 of them for losses.

He is 6'6", 292 pounds and played on a great Wisconsin team while making it to the Rose Bowl in 2010. He has great leadership skills and will fit nicely in whichever defensive scheme the Cowboys choose to run.

Having Watt would be a dream come true for new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, as the Cowboys' defensive line would return to prominence.

Alabama DE/DT Marcell Dareus

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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)

Marcell Dareus is a product of Nick Saban's defense; he's trained well.

With dimensions of 6'3" and 309 pounds, Dareus will be selected high in the draft, but with a lot to prove. His numbers aren't gaudy (34 tackles, four sacks), but he has the skill-set to be a monster.

He would be drafted in hopes of adding pressure from the defensive line, while combining with DeMarcus Ware and Jay Ratliff to make a ferocious trio.

The Cowboys are excited to have a new defensive coordinator, and the team must do what it can to repair the holes all over the defense. Dareus would be a great selection, as he was double-teamed almost every play in 2010.

Just as the SEC is the toughest conference in college football, the NFC East is the toughest division in the NFL. Marcell Dareus will be ready to win.

Trade the Pick for Several Others

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys looks on in warmups prior to the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

If the Cowboys do not like their options at the ninth pick, they could certainly get a mid-first round selection and a second rounder for it.

Dallas will have a few solid offensive linemen and defensive backs to choose from at its spot, but Jerry Jones has recently avoided drafting linemen. Prince Amukamara might be available at nine, but it's unlikely.

As a side note, Jones has not selected an offensive lineman since the 1995 NFL draft. Back in 1995, the Cowboys were competing for the Super Bowl perennially; maybe it's a sign.

The Cowboys need all the help they can get from their young talent, so maybe trading the pick for more selections would make sense. Jerry Jones must avoid picking any offensive position players in the first round though.

Draft an Immediate Impact Player

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NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Linebacker DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys jogs on the field during their game against the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Ima

Regardless of who the Cowboys draft in the first round, that player must be able to make a significant impact right away.

The team has evident problems in various spots on the depth chart, and Jerry Jones must realize that. Over the past 15 years, Dallas has been one of the worst teams in terms of drafting talent, thanks in part to Jerry Jones' hard-headed nature.

The Cowboys must earn their top status again and build for the future. This 2011 draft will be critical, because without either an offensive lineman or a strong defender in the first round, Dallas will not have addressed true needs.

The NFC East has a new look with Michael Vick running the offense in Philadelphia, so things aren't getting any easier for Dallas. Jason Garrett's team showed signs of promise when he took over last season, but let's see if the Cowboys can piece together a successful season, starting in April with the NFL Draft.