2011 NFL Draft: Ranking the Dallas Cowboys' Areas of Need

As we draw closer to the National Football League’s annual selection of players, many mock drafts and speculation on players who may be drafted starts to get pretty intense. I think Mel Kiper sleeps at ESPN a week before the draft and Todd McShay has to buy extra hair gel.

Me, you ask? I try my best to camp out in Jerry’s war room, but every year they end up kicking me out due to my intent on the ‘Boys trading their first pick for Antonio Bryant.

At any rate, the Cowboys have so much to focus on this year that it may be tough for them to even notice that I’m in the room. There is the offensive line that is in serious decay, a secondary that resembled my high school’s junior varsity squad at times last season, an aging linebacking corps and a special teams unit that couldn’t stop, well, anything.

But should the team go after offensive lineman Tyron Smith or cornerback Prince Amukamara?

Let's take a look at the Cowboys most pressing needs.

Cowboys Offensive Line

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 10: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys throws a pass behind the blocking of tackle Marc Colombo #75 against the Tennessee Titans at Cowboys Stadium on October 10, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Titans won 34-27. (Photo

I can’t help it, the offensive line has been in trouble since 2007. For years I’ve been hoping that Jerry would start to revamp the guys up front, but he only came to that conclusion after the team’s dismal 2010 season. By far Marc Colombo has rated as the team’s worst offensive lineman, and while Kyle Kosier may hold up for another season, it's not safe to hold out on hope on him.

As I shout from the mountaintop once again, Jerry, it's time to fix the offensive line.

Cowboys Secondary

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Wide receiver Mike Sims-Walker #11 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is tackled by Mike Jenkins #21 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

After the 2009 season, most fans and pundits thought the Cowboys defensive backfield was in good shape. Newman played well and cornerback Mike Jenkins made the Pro Bowl and seemed to headed for the stars.

But Jenkins was beat often and beat badly last year, and I’m not sure if Newman’s body can't sustain any more punishment. Jerry needs to address the needs in the secondary before it's to late, kind of like the offensive line.

Cowboys Linebackers

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Marcedes Lewis #89 of the Jacksonville Jaguars catches a 9-yard touchdown reception in the third quarter against Keith Brooking #51 of the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by S

Sooo Keith Brooking may be the pulse of the Cowboys defense, but that pulse gets light and weak in pass coverage. I like Brook and I think, if anything, Dallas should at least hold on to him for nickel packages or even in a back-up role. He’s at the end of his career, and the ‘Boys have a nice young prospect in Sean Lee ready to make an impact.

Cowboys Special Teams

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - DECEMBER 19: Kicker David Buehler #18 of the Dallas Cowboys reacts after missing a field goal in the second quarter against the Washington Redskins at Cowboys Stadium on December 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Ge

This encompasses everyone, but the punter because Matt McBriar can kick the stuffing out of a football. David Buehler is on the hot seat, and the Cowboys at one point last season had the worst kickoff coverage in the league.

Of course penalties and a simple lack of discipline are to blame for a lot, but if Dallas is able to find a few players to pick up the slack on special teams, then the defense wouldn’t have to play catch up so much.

Cowboys Defensive Line

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 19: Bradie James #56, DeMarcus Ware #94 and Marcus Spears #96 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after Ware sacked quarterback Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints to end the game at the Louisiana Superdome on December 19, 2009 in

Marcus Spears isn’t walking through that door!

Well, that may not hurt a lot of fans' feelings because Spears doesn’t have the type of stats that slap you across the face. The team will let him test free agency, and my mind tells me that he’s played his last down as a Cowboy. Igor Olshansky is about as well known as the Prime Minister of Canada round these parts, and both men are on the outs in Cowboy town.

There has been speculation that the ‘Boys have an interest in defensive end J.J. Watt, but I doubt he’s at the top of the team’s wish list. Still, here is another chance for Jerry and his kids to make a change before it's too late.