Dallas Cowboys: 10 NFL Draft 2011 Realistic Prospects Who Could Start from Day 1

Whether its Tyron Smith or Prince Amukamara, the Dallas Cowboys have more than a few draft prospects who could start on day one. Tyron could step in for offensive tackle Marc Colombo and the Prince could realistically step in for Terrance Newman.

While many believe that Smith will need time to develop the Cowboys may not have time to wait on Smith as his services will be needed as soon as he steps on premises.

Here are 10 prospects that could realistically start for the Dallas Cowboys right after draft day.

Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

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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

There are so many college cornerbacks who are considered to be shutdown that its really getting out of hand. But the Prince is on the cusp, just ask Jake Locker.

Amukamara may not go to Dallas as first believed but if he does he may be asked to but that “S” on his chest as soon as September rolls around.

Tyron Smith, OT, USC

Smith is raw man. He only started for two years at SC and it’s believed that he may move to the left side when he’s drafted.

But with rumors floating around that the ‘Boys may part ways with Colombo before the fall rolls around Smith may be forced to fill Colombo’s shoes sooner rather than later.

J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Defensive lineman J.J. Watt #99 of the Wisconsin Badgers defends a pass by quarterback Andy Dalton #14 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the 97th Rose Bowl game on January 1, 2011 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansez

Standing at 6’5” and 290 pounds Watt may be the defensive force Jerry Jones has been looking for. With Spears on the outs in Big D Watt has the potential to provide the type of sack total fans have been looking for.

However, Watt isn’t a sack machine. He only totaled 7 sacks last season and 4 the year before, so before Cowboys fans go jumping off the deep on Watt they should realize that he may not provide the type of spark they’re looking for.

Still, Watt can start from day 1 and the defense shouldn’t miss much of a beat if he replaces Spears on the line.

Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

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BATON ROUGE, LA - NOVEMBER 13: Patrick Peterson #7 of the Louisiana State University Tigers runs through the defense of the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks at Tiger Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Tigers defeated the

Double J never does anything by the book, just look at his stadium. In order for the Cowboys to snag Peterson they’ll have to trade up a few spots just to have a chance at him.

If Jerry and his kid make that move then the only way Peterson gets splinters in his butt is because he either injuries himself or he refuses to come to Dallas.

Otherwise the cornerback/return specialist is a shoe in to take over for somebody in the Cowboys secondary.

Cam Heyward, DE, Ohio State

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COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 13: Cameron Heyward #97 of the Ohio State Buckeyes chases after quarterback Matt McGloin #11 of the Penn State Nittany Lions at Ohio Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Here’s my thinking on lil iron head. The Cowboys want to get more out of their defensive lineman and one way of doing that is by drafting and signing new players.

Heyward is talented enough to start and make an immediate impact and if the Cowboys pass on J.J. then I believe Heyward would be a good supplement.

The only issue with Heyward is that he comes from a 4 – 3 and he may struggle to find a place in Rob Ryan’s 3 – 4 scheme. Still, lil iron head will start right away if drafted by the ‘Boys.

Kelvin Sheppard, LSU, ILB

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - JANUARY 07: Wide receiver Uzoma Nwachukwu #7 of the Texas A&M Aggies dives for a touchdown against Kelvin Sheppard #11 of the LSU Tigers during the AT&T Cotton Bowl at Cowboys Stadium on January 7, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron

Sheppard is smart enough to digest Ryan’s playbook and athletic enough to make up for any shortcomings he may have when he first starts out.

I’m a big fan of Sheppard and I think he can be a Bradie James type of player in the National Football League. Every player who comes out of the draft needs a little development but I believe Sheppard can make a big difference for the ‘Boys.

Mike Pouncey, C/G, Florida

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JACKSONVILLE, FL - OCTOBER 30: Jordan Reed #11 and Mike Pouncey #55 of the Florida Gators celebrate a touchdown during the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Field on October 30, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Im

Obviously Pouncey would be drafted to start right away because, well, he’s just that talented. Pouncey can play any position on the line and that’s what makes him so great. He’s listed as C/G but he can play either tackle position and we know the struggles the Cowboys have had there.

Pouncey is a very real possibility as the double J may trade down to the mid teens.

Jerrell Powe, NT, Ole Miss

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TUSCALOOSA, AL - OCTOBER 16: Jerrell Powe #57 of the Ole Miss Rebels against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on October 16, 2010 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Powe is a nose tackle and he’s big. Ryan keeps saying that Jay Ratliff will remain at nose tackle but I truly believe he’ll be moved to the outside, especially if the ‘Boys pass on taking a defensive end.

If so Powe may be called to plug the middle and he’ll be asked to do so right away. He won’t get you many sacks but once Powe develops a few more moves and improves his footwork the Cowboys defensive line would be nothing to mess with.

Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

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BOULDER, CO - NOVEMBER 07: Wide receiver Jeff Fuller #8 of the Texas A&M Aggies makes a reception against the defense of Jimmy Smith #3 of the Colorado Buffaloes during NCAA college football action at Folsom Field on November 7, 2009 in Boulder, Colorado

If you don’t like anything about Smith you have to at least like his height and the way he uses it. He’s 6’2” and was considered to be a shut down type of corner during his time in college.

Smith can be physical and he’s another guy Ryan can plug into his, ahem, complicated system as he could make a difference right away.

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)

Carter scares a lot of people because of his likeness to former Cowboys safety Roy Williams. He loves the big hit and that leaves him vulnerable in pass coverage.

If Jones decides to reach and draft Carter he would start right away because Dallas is need of a free safety.