Tyron Smith and Other Rookies Likely to Make an Impact for the Cowboys in 2011

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 2010 season in which they went 6-10 and missed the playoffs.

Dallas had a number of needs to address this offseason in the draft and through free agency.

The Cowboys drafted USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith with the No. 9 pick and took North Carolina linebacker Bruce Carter 40th overall in the second round.

But what other rookies are ready to step up for the 'Boys this season?

Join Bleacher Report as we rank the five Dallas rookies to watch in 2011.

5. David Arkin (Guard)

Missouri State's David Arkin was drafted 110th overall in the fourth round of April's draft by the Cowboys, who have plenty of needs on the offensive line.

Arkin was a monster up front as a tackle for Missouri State, but scouts project him to play guard in the NFL.

Arkin won't likely be the starter in 2011, but should see the field as the Dallas coaching staff attempts to develop him into a staple of the Cowboys' next great offensive line.

4. Shaun Chapas (Fullback)

The Cowboys selected Georgia's Shaun Chapas in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft with their second-to-last pick.

Chapas played four seasons with the Bulldogs at fullback, providing excellent lead-blocking and decent receiving skills out of the backfield.

With only one other fullback on Dallas' roster this preseason, watch for Chapas to challenge for the starting role.

3. Tyron Smith (Tackle)

Offensive tackle was by far the Cowboys' biggest roster need heading into last spring's draft, and they patched the hole with USC's Tyron Smith.

Smith is a physical specimen at 6'5", 307 pounds, who is only 20 years old surprisingly.

The tackle moved defenders while playing for the Trojans, and the Cowboys coaching staff expects him to team up with tackle Doug Free to help protect Tony Romo on the edge.

2. DeMarco Murray (Running Back)

The Dallas Cowboys lost a talented back this offseason when they let go Marion Barber, but they gained a superb talent when drafting Oklahoma's DeMarco Murray last April.

Murray will join Felix Jones and Tashard Choice in the Dallas backfield, providing another explosive game-breaking running back for Tony Romo to both throw and hand off to.

Murray is currently suffering from a hamstring injury, but should be 100 percent by the start of the season.

Murray scored 65 touchdowns in four years with the Sooners; expect big plays from the rookie in 2011.

1. Bruce Carter (Linebacker)

The Cowboys infused their defense with some talent and youth when drafting North Carolina's Bruce Carter in the second round last spring.

Carter, a four-year player with the Tar Heels, recorded over 200 tackles, 8.5 sacks and three interceptions in college.

Carter is expected to challenge for a starting spot on Dallas' defense.

Inside linebacker Keith Brooking was far from spectacular last season, and Carter's time to shine may come sooner than expected if the Cowboys defense gets off to another slows start in 2011.

Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Follow on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke