Dallas Cowboys 2011 NFL Draft Rumors: Latest News, Potential Picks and Trades

There is a lot of information flying around right now about the Cowboys and, as is the case with all NFL teams, most of it is untrue.  Here is what I am hearing about the Cowboys’ draft plans. . .

• The Cowboys don’t “know” whether they will trade their pick or stay in the ninth slot, as it depends on how the draft plays out.  I originally thought the Cowboys’ most likely trade partner if they move up (for Patrick Peterson) is Cleveland, but I have heard the Browns will select Peterson themselves if he drops that far.  Thus, the most likely trade partner for the Cowboys is Arizona at the No. 5 overall selection.  They reportedly are not in love with Blaine Gabbert and may want to move back.  If Dallas does not move up to the fifth pick, I don’t think they are moving up at all.

• If the Cowboys are able, I think they will try to move back.  I posted a guide to allCowboys trade scenarios a week ago.  If I had to guess, I would say the current “pod” of potential first-round picks includes Tyron Smith, Anthony Castonzo, J.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan (in that order).  Thus, if the Cowboys move down a few spots, I think Castonzo is the most likely pick.  If they move down past St. Louis at No. 14, I think they will choose between one of the defensive ends.  This might not be a death sentence, as the extra third or even second-round pick they acquire could be used as ammunition to move up for a premiere offensive tackle such as Ben Ijalana or Gabe Carimi.

• If the Cowboys stay in the ninth spot, I think Smith is the pick, but don’t be shocked to see the team take Castonzo.  I am unsure on which player they are higher.

• Ultimately, I would rate the chances of each first-round scenario taking place as follows:  Move up for Peterson (15 percent), stay in pick and select Smith (30 percent), stay in pick and select Castonzo (10 percent), stay in pick and select defensive end (5 percent), move back and select offensive tackle (30 percent), move back and select defensive end (5 percent), other (5 percent).

• Here is where it gets crazy. . .I have heard from more than one person in the organization that Jason Garrett loves Andy Dalton and will seriously consider him at No. 40.  Dalton may not reach that pick (hopefully), but he could be the pick if he falls.  I think the possibility of it happening skyrockets if the Cowboys move back in the first round.  If the team can stockpile a few picks, they will be far more likely to take a risk on Dalton.

• Otherwise, the Cowboys may target a free safety in the second round, with Aaron Williams and Rahim Moore both options.  I still think a defensive end such as Cameron Heyward is more likely.  Again, don’t rule out nose tackle Kenrick Ellis.

• At this point, I would be shocked if the Cowboys pass on Will Rackley if he is available in the third round.

After much consideration, I have listed the players I think are most likely for Dallas in each round.  These names are based on information I have gathered on the Cowboys’ interests and my own views on the availability of certain prospects.

First Round

USC OT Tyron Smith, Boston College OT Anthony Castonzo,Wisconsin DE JJ Watt, Cal DE Cameron Jordan, LSU CB Patrick Peterson

Second Round

Ohio State DE Cameron Heyward, Alabama OT James Carpenter, Baylor G Danny Watkins, UCLA FS Rahim Moore, Kenrick Ellis, NT, Hampton, TCU QB Andy Dalton

Third Round

William Rackley, OT, Lehigh, Washington OLB Mason Foster, Johnny Patrick, CB, Louisville, Georgia G Clint Boling, Florida State G Rodney Hudson, Miami CB DeMarcus Van Dyke, Miami CB Brandon Harris, Marcus Gilchrist, FS, Clemson

Rounds 4-7

TCU G Marcus Cannon,  Boston College ILB Mark Herzlich, Mount Union WR Cecil Shorts, LSU RB Stevan Ridley, Louisville RB Bilal Powell, Fort Valley State WR Ricardo Lockette