Feb 23, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; University of Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Sheldon Richardson speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
Team Needs:
S, DL, OL, RB, WR
1st Round 18th Overall: Sheldon Richardson DT, Missouri
If Chance Warmack or Jonathan Cooper fall to the Dallas Cowboys, I would expect them to snatch them up. I believe both players will be gone, so the Cowboys go and improve their defensive line. Missouri Tigers DT Sheldon Richardson has seen his stock fluctuate from a Top 5 pick and now may fall out of the Top 10. Richardson is a great talent, with the versatility to play in any scheme. His best fit is in a 4-3 scheme playing defensive tackle, which fits perfectly with Monte Kiffin’s new defense. Richardson is a great athlete with a quick burst off the snap and creates problems in the backfield. He will have to spend more time in the weight room to improve his upper-body strength before he will be a great player, but he can start immediately as a rookie.
2nd Round 47th Overall: Kyle Long OT, Oregon
After improving the defensive line in Round One, the Cowboys now will find a replacement for RT Doug Free. Cowboys VP Stephen Jones refused to disclose the future of Free being a member of the Cowboys. Oregon OT Kyle Long would be a great fit for the Cowboys, with the versatility to play both right guard and right tackle. Long has the prototypical size and athleticism to play tackle, with the arms to hold off defenders and a strong upper-body. Long is still getting used to football after playing baseball through high school and at Florida State. He also tends to overextend at times, leaving him vulnerable to be pushed out and letting the defender go by. It will take Dallas some time to work with him and bring him along, but he should start over Doug Free and develop along the way.
3rd Round 80th Overall: Tony Jefferson S, Oklahoma
Even before the Cowboys released Gerald Sensabaugh, they needed to find an upgrade in the secondary. Now that Sensabaugh is gone, the need has become even more urgent. In the 3rd Round the Cowboys could find a steal with Oklahoma Sooners S Tony Jefferson. Jefferson is a versatile safety who plays the position like a center fielder. He would give the Cowboys a hard-hitting safety who can help against the pass and running game. While Jefferson doesn’t have the size or strength you would like, he makes up for it with his physicality. Jefferson needs to spend a lot more time in the weight room, and needs to improve his tackling. Too often he will take a bad angle or not wrap up and the ball-carrier will pick up extra yards. Jefferson can step in and provide an upgrade to help turn around the Cowboys secondary.
4th Round 114th Overall: Brian Winters OG, Kent State
As Dallas gets closer to an extension with Tony Romo, they have to focus on protecting their franchise player. While the left side is strong with Tyron Smith, the right side is about as bad as you could imagine. The Cowboys found their RT of the future with Kyle Long, and now find a great value at RG in Round Four. Kent State OG Brian Winters is another player who has the versatility to play both right guard and right tackle, although he is better suited to play inside. He has quick feet and can get off the snap well, bursting out and making contact with his defender. He can add on more weight while still keeping his athleticism, leaving more room to grow and improve. Winters needs ti improve against physical defenders, as often in college he was beat by stronger lineman. The Cowboys would be taking a risk with rookies starting on the right side, but the pair of Long and Winters will work well in the future.
5th Round 151st Overall: Christine Michael RB, Texas A&M
While many Cowboys fans may feel comfortable with DeMarco Murray, he still hasn’t shown he can stay healthy. I will admit, yes Christine Michael has some injury concerns but his talent can’t be ignored in the 5th Round. Michael found his way into Kevin Sumlin’s doghouse at Texas A&M, but still managed to finish with 12 rushing touchdowns. Michael started gaining more recognition at the NFL Combine and his Pro Day where he showed nice speed for his size, and soft hands out of the backfield. Michael falls to the 5th Round because of concerns about his durability and maturity, but his talent can’t be passed up at this point of the draft.
6th Round 185th Overall: Brad Sorensen QB, Southern Utah
While Tony Romo is just 32, his new contract with the Cowboys will likely be his last in the NFL, the Cowboys need to find his future replacement. Some have speculated Dallas could go as early as the 1st or 2nd Round, but they have much bigger needs to fill than at QB. In the 6th Round, getting a QB like Brad Sorensen could be the perfect time and fit for both sides. Sorensen played at a small school, but when watching him on tape there are flashes of a QB who could have a future in the NFL. Sorensen has a strong enough arm to make the necessary throws and shows decent pocket awareness. Dallas can spend a few years working with him before he takes over for Romo and makes everything a smooth transition.