Dallas Cowboys: 5 Reasons Why 2011 Draft Is the Foundation of a Dynasty

I've heard all sorts of things from fans since the NFL draft concluded. Most of it negative regarding every pick except the top one.

I have my own question about certain moves in this draft, but I think Jason Garret's first draft as Cowboys head coach was a successful one.

Ultimately, I think Jason has drafted the right guys to put together another Cowboys dynasty in the coming years.

Here are five reasons why:

Big Bodies

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) poses for a photo with Tyron Smith, #9 overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys, on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotma

It was clear from the Cowboys very first selection that they were intent on upgrading a decrepit offensive line. It certainly looks like they got an excellent tackle in Tyron Smith, and I think David Arkin should develop into a starter within two seasons, if not sooner.

Football games are won in the trenches. I don't think anyone would argue that point. Whichever team has the most dominating line usually controls the tempo and intensity of the game.

By selecting at least two, possibly three, starters on the offensive line, the Cowboys gave themselves the groundwork for a dominating offensive line. Other starters may need to be added next year to fully revamp the line, but the potential is there.

Strong Leadership

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CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 08: Linebacker Bruce Carter #54 of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts after a defensive stop against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the game at Kenan Stadium on November 8, 2008 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo

It was also clear that Jason Garrett was keen on taking players with high work ethics and leadership skills. Several of the Cowboys' draft picks were team captains at their respective universities.

Every one of these players were solid from a character standpoint. None of them had any question marks coming into the draft and were all leaders on the field.

You rarely see teams whose rosters are filled with "me" players in contention at the end of the year. Jason Garrett understands the importance of hard workers, and knows that these types of guys are always at the core of championship teams.

Good Value in Later Rounds

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BLACKSBURG, VA - SEPTEMBER 18: Defensive end J.R. Collins #42 and cornerback Kyle Fuller #17 of the Virginia Tech Hokies tackle wide receiver Dwayne Harris #17 of the East Carolina Pirates at Lane Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Blacksburg, Virginia.

Many people were shocked that the 'Boys didn't draft a safety at some point during the draft. The truth is, the Cowboys didn't think much of this years safety crop, instead deciding to get value at other positions.

By not reaching for ineffective safeties or defensive linemen later in the draft, the Cowboys have stocked up on players who will actually develop into starters, rather than need picks who will be off the roster in a couple of years, costing the team time and effort in the process.

I like what Dwayne Harris brings to the table as a slot receiver, and I think Demarco Murray can become a premier back in the NFL. I am also told that cornerback Josh Thomas was an excellent pick in the fifth round.

I think we all understand how important it is to hit on early picks in the draft, but a championship roster is built by hitting on players in the lower rounds.

Jason Garrett's Stamp

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Jason Garrett of the Dallas Cowboys watches from the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated

We were told soon after the hiring of Jason Garrett that he would have much more power than some recent head coaches the Cowboys have had.

That was evident in the drafting of Tyron Smith in the first round. No matter what Jerry says, I don't think he would have drafted a tackle in the first round without a significant push from Garrett.

More than what players they picked though, we saw that Jason Garrett does indeed have influence in Cowboys personnel decisions, which is something we haven't had around these parts since Bill Parcells retired.

Having a strong head coach is very important to any team with championship aspirations. Look at the last several teams to win a Super Bowl. Every team has a tough head coach: Mike McCarthy, Sean Payton, Mike Tomlin and Tom Coughlin.

I think the Cowboys have that type of coach now and it was evident during the draft.

Door Open for Free Agency

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Malcom Floyd #80 of the San Diego Chargers is tackled by Michael Huff #24 of the Oakland Raiders at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

By drafting young players to replace overpaid, under-performing veterans, the Cowboys will leave themselves some space on the salary cap to go out and get some quality free agents.

Also, by not reaching at certain positions, the Cowboys can find the right player for their system in free agency.

After the lockout is lifted, and I do believe it will be, look for the Cowboys to be aggressive in getting the players they need to make this team championship-ready once again.