2011 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing the Dallas Cowboys First Round Options

The Dallas Cowboys have the most directions of all teams in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft that they could go with their spot in the draft. The Cowboys are in an interesting position because, despite their high pick and pathetic 2010 showing, they have few glaring holes that need to be mended. Whether they take an offensive player, a defensive stand-out, or even gamble with the best player on the board, the 'Boys are in a pretty good place.

Until April 28, all we can do is point out the questions: Which way will the Cowboys lean with their First Round selection April 28? Will we see some classic Jerry Jones, with the 2011 NFL Draft being broadcast during primetime?

Let's take a look at the choices on the table that could help the Dallas Cowboys retake the NFC East.

Dallas Cowboys Likely Round 1 Pick: J.J. Watt, Defensive End

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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)

Seemingly the most popular pick at this time, J.J. Watt is more than likely to be on the board by spot No.9.  Based on need, defensive end is the Cowboys highest priority, with three of their DEs entering free agency.

Watt will not be the much needed pass rushing partner of DeMarcus Ware, but he is versatile enough to fit the Cowboys need and will help in the run stopping game.

Dallas Cowboys Likely Round 1 Pick: Aldon Smith, Defensive End

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COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 23: Aldon Smith #85 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Oklahoma Sooners at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbia, Missouri. The Tigers beat the Sooners 36-27. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Image

Unlike Watt, Smith would provide a mirror image of the pass-rushing abilities of Ware. He has great speed and is comparable to Jason Pierre-Paul in size and range. The Cowboys also wouldn't mind stealing this obvious favorite pick of ex-coach Wade Phillips, whose new team, the Houston Texans, will be picking in spot 12.

Other Defensive Ends that will likely be ripe for the Cowboys picking are North Carolina's Robert Quinn, Cal's Cameron Jordan and Clemson's Da'Quan Bowers.

Dallas Cowboys Likely Round 1 Pick: Tyron Smith, Offensive Tackle

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LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans throws a pass as Tyron Smith #70 blocks Jesse Feagin #98 of the Washington State Cougars during the second quarter of the college football game at the Los Angeles Memorial C

Ask any Dallas fan and they will tell you that the offensive line is where the 2010 season was lost. From the hold on the last play of the season opener, to the season-ending hit on Romo, to the onslaught of injuries, the Cowboys always seem to be hurting a little up front.

Tyron Smith is the best offensive lineman on the board and can handle both the run and the pass rush. If the Cowboys want their dynamic offense back, it is going to start with the big guys.

Dallas Cowboys Likely Round 1 Pick: Mike Pouncey, Offensive Guard

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NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators hugs teammate Mike Pouncey #55 after scoring a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on January 1, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The guard position isn't ailing quite as much as OT for the Cowboys, but with Kyle Kosier in free agency, and the average age of the offensive line being roughly 54, this wouldn't be that big of a stretch.

Pouncey is forecasted to go in the first round of the draft, though number nine could be a little high. The Cowboys have shown interest in him, and Pouncey recently tweeted that he would be surprised if he wasn't in a Dallas jersey next season.

After the breathtaking season that his brother had in Pittsburgh last season, it is easy to see that taking Pouncey in the first round has huge upside.

Dallas Cowboys Likely Round 1 Pick: Prince Amukamara, Cornerback

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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

The Dallas Cowboys have a handful of cornerbacks at their disposal, all of them have great potential and two have seen Pro Bowls. However, there is no denying that any team can beat the Cowboys through the air as of late.

Amukamara is coming out of a very competitive defensive system in Nebraska, and has proven that he can work as a solid shutdown corner. If it were any other year, he would undoubtedly be the best CB on the board. He wouldn't immediately be worked into the Cowboys starting lineup, but he would see looks in certain packages and light a fire under the current starting corners.

The question is, will Amukamara be available by spot No.9?