NFL Draft: Dallas Cowboys Team Draft Retrospective

This article is part of a series that looks at each NFL team’s recent draft history, with the hope of extracting information about the way they think and the players they value. The analysis is limited to the past five drafts in the interest of relevance, and the first three rounds because that’s where most impact players are taken.

This entry will focus on the Dallas Cowboys.

DRAFT HISTORY

In the past five years, the Cowboys have taken the following players in the early rounds. Their positions and the rounds in which they were drafted are listed next to their names.

2006:   Bobby Carpenter, LB (1)

            Anthony Fasano, TE (2)

            Jason Hatcher, DE (3)

2007:   Anthony Spencer, DE (1)

            James Marten, OT (3)

2008:   Felix Jones, RB (1)

            Mike Jenkins, WR (1)

            Martellus Bennett, TE (2)

2009:   Jason Williams, LB (3)

            Robert Brewster, OT (3)

2010:   Dez Bryant, WR (1)

            Sean Lee, LB (2)

BREAKDOWN BY POSITION

Here is the number of players the Cowboys have drafted for each position:

Linebacker: 3

Defensive End: 2

Offensive Tackle: 2

Tight End: 2

Cornerback: 1

Running Back: 1

Wide Receiver: 1

IMPACT

Anthony Spencer has developed into a solid run-stuffing outside linebacker, though his pass-rushing leaves something to be desired. Felix Jones has proven injury prone thus far, but looked very good when he played. Mike Jenkins has shown flashes of ability, but was often torched. Dez Bryant contributed immediately as both a receiver (561 yards, six TDs) and punt returner, though there are rumors suggesting that he is being shopped. Sean Lee has played well in limited action, and projects as a good successor for Keith Brooking.

TRENDS

Linebacker is the position the Cowboys seem to place the most emphasis on, especially when one takes into account that Anthony Spencer, listed above as a DE, was converted to OLB. This is consistent with Bill Parcells’ draft history, though Parcells is no longer with the team.

Conversely, the defensive line seems to be a lesser priority, as the Cowboys have essentially taken one lineman. However, they’ve been able to build a quality line nonetheless, mostly on the strength of nose tackle and seventh round gem Jay Ratliff.

The Cowboys have taken only one defensive back, and as a result, their secondary is currently a major liability. They’ve also missed on their two offensive tackle picks, and consequently, pass protection is also an issue.

Injury and character issues aside, they’ve hit on both of their offensive skill player picks (Jones and Bryant).

2011 OUTLOOK

As noted, the offensive line and secondary are the two major areas of need. Much has been made of the fact that owner and general manager Jerry Jones has never taken an offensive lineman in the first round. However, given the need and the fact that his later selections haven’t panned out, he may yield and take someone like Tyron Smith (USC) or Anthony Castonzo (BC). Both are considered reaches with the ninth overall pick, but this could give Jones the opportunity to trade down and grab some extra picks.

As for the secondary, the Cowboys did not work out cornerback Prince Amukamara (Nebraska), widely agreed to be one of the top prospects in this draft. While this fits the Cowboys’ history of placing lesser value on defensive backs, it’s hard to imagine totally neglecting such a glaring weakness. The second round should present some good value in CB Brandon Harris (Miami) or FS Rahim Moore (UCLA).

Though the Cowboys already boast one of the best linebacking groups in the league, their history suggests they may still stock up and groom someone to take over down the line. They did so at ILB last year with Sean Lee, and this year they could look for a pass rushing OLB to succeed or complement Anthony Spencer.