NFL Draft 2011: The Dallas Cowboys Will Have a Lot of Options Come Draft Day

Viewed as one of the most talented teams in league the 2010 pre-season, the Dallas Cowboys dealt with injuries and inconsistencies throughout the disappointing season that had them finish at the bottom of the NFC East in the bottom third of the league.

But thanks to their talent at the skill positions on offense, Tony Romo slated to return as their quarterback and their relative flexibility as to where they can go on draft day, the Cowboys are sitting pretty in the Top 10.

With the CBA concerns and teams unlikely to risk passing on a franchise quarterback in the draft if they can't solve the quarterback answer in free agency, teams like Carolina, Buffalo, Cincinnati, Arizona and Tennessee, all team's ahead of them, will need to strongly consider quarterback in the picks ahead of the Cowboys.

So with at least two quarterbacks slated to end up in the Top-8, plus no Cowboys-needed position players such as AJ Green (at receiver) and Julio Jones also in the Top-8 mix, the Cowboys could have a majority of their big board intact by pick No. 9.

As for who they'd pick, they'll likely try to attack one of three positions: Offensive tackle, cornerback, or 3-4 defensive end. Also, if elite, top-five talents like Von Miller or AJ Green slip to No. 9, they may also consider them as well based on value alone.

I got a chance to talk to a few Cowboys scouts back at the Senior Bowl, and with that combined with other reports and overall player values, here is how I think their big board stacks up right now:

1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU—The ideal pick, as the secondary has been very mediocre for the past two years, and I wouldn't rule out both Mike Jenkins and Terrence Newman off the team if they can land Peterson. I wouldn't be surprised if he goes in the top two picks, though, and it'd be a draft day miracle if the Cowboys landed him.

2. Marcel Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama—A perfect fit for their 3-4 defense, Dareus is a safe pick who can quickly allow for the pass rush to be upgraded. Considered one of the safer picks in this draft, Dareus could be a solid five-to-six sacks a season type 5-technique in the NFL, which is ultra impressive for the position. Still, he'd be a big surprise to fall past No. 6.

3. AJ Green, WR, Georgia—One of the top three players on almost every board in the league, he's on the fringe of being a Calvin Johnson-type prospect, meaning he's a safe bet to be an elite receiver in the NFL. I think the Panthers have strong reason to draft Green because he's a "safe investment", but regardless, he won't get past the Browns at No. 6, and he'll likely go much earlier.

4. Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M—Having already said he'd like to end up in Dallas, Miller would form a dominate duo for the Cowboys as outside rushers and may actually be a good alternative to invest heavily into the secondary, as the best way to stop the pass is in pass rush. Another top-five talent, he likely won't get past No. 7 to a 49ers team dying for some consistent pass rush.

5. Nick Fairley, DT/DE, Auburn—The first "real" option possibility for the Cowboys, Fairley could fall because of his being a one-year wonder, as well as character concerns on and off the field. Still, the Cowboys hit a home run with another "character concern" guy in Dez Bryant, and Fairley could have that type of impact as well.

6. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska—Every team I've spoken with made it clear that Peterson is clearly the No. 1 defensive back, but the Cowboys I spoke with considered Amukamara much closer to Peterson than people think. He's a great fit for the defense, physical cover guy, and outside of San Francisco, I don't see a team taking him in the Top 10.

7. Tyron Smith, OT, USC—Doug Free is obviously playing out of position at left tackle, but he can be a very good right tackle in the NFL. Tyron Smith played right tackle in college, but has outstanding athletic ability and potential as a left tackle.

Tony Romo was among the tops in the league in QB hits before he got injured, and he needs protection. After round one, there isn't a solid starting tackle prospect, so his value could rise on the Cowboys minds on draft day.

8. Cameron Jordan, DE, California—If they trust in the secondary for another year and Dareus and Fairley are both gone (which is very possible) they could go with a guy who has been rising on boards since his dominant Senior Bowl week. Jordan can play as a defensive end or outside linebacker in the 3-4 scheme, and will almost for sure be available at pick No. 8.

9. Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina—Their potential interest in Von Miller speaks to their willingness to add more pass rushing to the defense, especially if they feel Anthony Spencer isn't a good enough starter for the future. Quinn has some injury question marks and didn't play this past football year, but he has elite level talent.

10. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado—If Tyron Smith is gone or they'd rather a college left tackle with length, they could be interested in bringing in Nate Solder to the offensive line. I don't think Solder is a Top 10 talent, and he's barely a Top 32 talent because he doesn't use his length overly well, but he has left tackle length and potential at the NFL level.

Based on what I've heard and what teams ahead of them will do, I think they'll have the option of going with Marcel Dareus, Nick Fairley or Prince Amukamara, with at least one almost a lock to be available.

I wouldn't rule out them trading down in the draft, especially to a team trying to jump up and snag a quarterback (Cam Newton especially, but also Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett) or Julio Jones (such as the St. Louis Rams) if he's available.

Regardless, the Cowboys will have plenty of options on draft day in the first round. And lucky for them, regardless of which position they go for, there is depth at cornerback, offensive line, defensive line, and outside linebacker throughout the second and third rounds.

So a note to Cowboys fans: "America's Team" has a chance for a very quick turnaround back to Super Bowl contention.

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