2011 NFL Mock Draft: 7-Round Dallas Cowboys Predictions

Mock drafts at this point in the season are pretty fun, eh? Just think about it. Mel Kiper’s first mock draft compared to his latest probably looks totally different.

Cam Newton is projected to be the first player chosen, but just a couple of months ago it was Da’quon Bowers from Clemson. By this time next week, we’ll hear talk about how Newton doesn’t fit into the Panthers offensive scheme any longer.

Well, the same can be said about your local Dallas Cowboys. When draft speculation first started, the Cowboys were poised to choose Prince Amukamara, a cornerback from Nebraska.

Now that talk has turned to Tyron Smith, an offensive tackle from USC.

So, let’s mock up or shut up. Here is a seven-round prediction for Jerry and his ‘Boys.

1st Round, 9th Pick, Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 18: Quarterback Matt Barkley #7 of the USC Trojans, flanked by Tyron Smith #70 and Ronald Johnson #83, runs off the field after the Trojans scored a touchdown during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers

Still going with Mr. Smith on this one. I think the Cowboys need offensive line help more than anything in the world right now. Developing the line hasn’t been a top priority for Jerry over the past few years and now is his chance to go all out to try and right what’s wrong.

Smith is a young guy and can play that position for the next 10 to 12 years.

2nd Round, 8th Pick, Cam 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)

Little Iron Head is what they call him. Heyward may not be available by the time Dallas goes to choose, but if he is, then I say pull the trigger.

I think that he’ll do well in Ryan’s scheme if he adds the necessary weight. With Rob’s aggressive style of coaching, Heyward should flourish.

3rd Round, 7th Pick, Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma

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DALLAS - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin #84 of the Texas Longhorns runs for a touchdown against Quinton Carter #20 of the Oklahoma Sooners at Cotton Bowl on October 17, 2009 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Ok, here’s my new reasoning for the Cowboys picking Carter. He’s an Oklahoma guy and Jerry enjoys choosing Sooner players?

Ok, not really, but I just liked the reasoning. Carter has that same type of hitting mentality of a Roy Williams and given the issues the ‘Boys have had as of late with free safety, I think Carter will do just fine.

4th Round, 13th Pick, Will Rackley, OT, Lehigh

I still go back to Rackley only giving up three sacks in his entire college career. I like his potential so much that I believe he may go in the second round. Rackley has the feel of a guy that many an NFL team will regret passing on in the very near future.

5th Round, 12th Pick, Kelvin Sheppard, ILB, LSU

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 4: Kelvin Sheppard #11 of the LSU Tigers tackles Johnny White #34 of the North Carolina Tar Heels at the Georgia Dome September 4, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Sheppard’s coach at LSU, Les Miles, used to eat grass before each game. I understand that may not have anything to do with why the ‘Boys choose him, but isn’t that just cool?

No, just me? Ok, well anyway, Sheppard has that Bradie James type of feel to him. He’s going to be a great player because of his college pedigree and due to Rob Ryan’s scheme.

6th Round, 11th Pick, Chris Rucker, DB, Michigan State

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Julio Jones #8 of the Alabama Crimson Tide stiffarms Chris Rucker #29 of the Michigan State Spartans during the Capitol One Bowl at the Florida Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2011 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Im

I go back to Rucker on this pick, because I think he has more upside than Brandon Hogan. Rucker is just as fast and I believe he’s more, err, stable than Hogan.

Rucker has character issues, but had a pretty good career at MSU.

7th Round, 17th Pick, Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska

Helu’s blocking skills will be in question until he can prove scouts wrong. However, I think that he would be a great fit Garrett’s scheme and when the team lets Barber get in the wind, they’ll need another back to fill the gaps.

7th Round, 17th Pick, J.T. Thomas, ILB, WVU:

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 13: Isaiah Pead #23 of the Cincinnati Bearcats is grabbed by J.T. Thomas #30 of the West Virginia Mountaineers in the fourth quarter of the game at Nippert Stadium on November 13, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty

Thomas could be a future replacement for Bradie James if he works out properly. He ran a 4.6 at his pro day and has pretty good quickness.

Most NFL teams like guys who have high motors and Thomas fits the bill for that type of prospect. He'll need a little time to develop, but he's worth a shot as a late round pick.