2011 NFL Draft Results: Why Dallas Shouldn't Have Drafted Bruce Carter

Bruce Carter, a 235 pound linebacker out of North Carolina is now a Dallas Cowboys. Jerry decided to take a risk and draft the outside linebacker who sometimes struggles in rushing the passer.

Carter is coming off of a torn ACL that he suffered back in December but he’s been cleared to return to the football field by famed Dr. James Andrews. Cowboys fans may remember that Jerry made the same choice with linebacker Sean Lee last season as he suffered the same injury as Carter.

But did the Cowboys pick the right player with so many, ahem, nice prospects still available?

Lets take a look at the board, shall we?

Here are 5 reasons why the Cowboys made the wrong choice in selecting Bruce Carter.

Carter's Torn ACL

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 13: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies is tackled by Bruce Carter #54 and teammate Jared McAdoo #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Carter suffered the injury against rival North Carolina State and was unavailable to showcase all of his talents during his pro day.

But the Cowboys are taking a huge shot on Carter, believing that he will fully recover from his knee injury. Dallas has two aging inside linebackers in Bradie James and Keith Brooking and mortgaging your, ahem, linebacking future on the weak knees of Carter is taking a Texas sized chance.

Passing on Da’Quan Bowers

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Michael Dyer #5 of the Auburn Tigers against Da'Quan Bowers #93 of the Clemson Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

So many NFL teams were concerned with the knees of defensive end Da’Quan Bowers and he dropped because of it. There were reports that Bowers may have the potential of long-term arthritis to develop in his left knee.

The Cowboys may have passed on Bowers because of it but with the team’s decision to draft Carter pretty much cancels out their concern. Dallas needs help on the defensive line more than do at linebacker and Jerry may have made the wrong decision in picking Carter.

Failure to Address Other Needs

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 18: Safety Rahim Moore #3 of the UCLA Bruins in the game with the Houston Cougars at the Rose Bowl on September 18, 2010 in Pasadena, California. UCLA won 31-13. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

In choosing Carter so high and so early your local Dallas Cowboys still failed to draft a cornerback or safety. Miami cornerback Brandon Harris and UCLA safety Rahim Moore were still available when Carter went off the board.

Dallas did well in choosing Tyron Smith in the 1^st round but Jerry may have peaked in this year’s annual selection ceremony as his last two picks, Carter and Murray, leave a few scratching their heads.

Carter’s Less Than Impressive Pass Rushing Skills

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 13: Tyrod Taylor #5 of the Virginia Tech Hokies is tackled by Bruce Carter #54 and teammate Jared McAdoo #97 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Kenan Stadium on November 13, 2010 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Carter isn’t the greatest pass rusher and more than a few scouting reports state that he has issues getting caught in traffic at the line of scrimmage.

Cowboys are more concerned with Carter’s coverage ability but his ability to rush the passer will have to improve.

Drafting Carter to High

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 04: Punter Desi Cullen #13 of the Connecticut Huskies has his punt blocked for a touchdown by Bruce Carter #54 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the game at Kenan Stadium on October 4, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Dallas may have did themselves a disservice in choosing Carter so high in the draft. While he’s gifted and may turn into a pretty good linebacker, the Cowboys really needed a cornerback or safety with this pick.

There are still plenty of linebackers left on the board and Dallas had a chance to address this potential need in the latter rounds.