2011 NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys Building Through the Trenches at No. 9?

2011 NFL Mock Draft Says Cowboys Keep String of Top 10 Offensive Lineman Going With Selection of Tyron Smith

The Dallas Cowboys are on those teams that have a lot more talent than their record indicates.

After a miserable start and coaching change, the Cowboys salvaged a few things and now pick in the top 10 and could still compete for the division title next year.

Defensively they need a cornerback and a safety, but only one player holds any value at those positions at this pick.

Defensive line could also be an option, especially a 3-4 defensive end in their odd front.

Offensively it looks like a offensive lineman would be their best bet and that is what holds the most upside as well.

 

MUST READ: Matt Miller's Full Two-Round Mock Draft With Team Needs Analysis

 

At least one offensive tackle has gone in the top 10 since 2005 and the Cowboys look like they will keep that streak alive.

USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith only played right tackle in college, but he is the only tackle in the class with elite potential.

He has great size, has added bulk and strength in recent months, and his athleticism makes him an ideal candidate to be a blindside protector.

Smith still has a lot of learning to do, but he's too talented to not be a great tackle if all things fail on the blindside.

The Cowboys should be willing to take that risk, especially if it means keeping Tony Romo (and whichever quarterback that will replace him soon...) standing upright.

1. Carolina: Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
2. Denver: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
3. Buffalo: Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M
4. Cincinnati: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia		 17. New England (via Oak): J.J. Watt, DE, Wisc
18. San Diego: Muhammad Wilkerson, DT, Temp
19. New York Giants: Anthony Castonzo, OT, BC
20. Tampa Bay: Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
5. Arizona: Blaine Gabbert, QB, Mizzou
6. Cleveland: Robert Quinn, DE, UNC
7. San Fran: Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
8. Tennessee: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn		 21. Kansas City: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
22. Indianapolis: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
23. Philadelphia: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
24. Tennessee: Colin Kaepernick, QB, Nevada **
9. Dallas: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
10. Washington: Jake Locker, QB, Wash.
11. Houston: Cameron Jordan, DE, Cal.
12. Minnesota: Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purd.		 25. Seattle: Christian Ponder, QB, FSU
26. Baltimore: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio St.
27. Atlanta: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
28. Minnesota: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas **
13. Detroit: Prince Amukamara, CB, Neb.
14. St. Louis: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
15. Miami: Mike Pouncey, OG/C, Florida
16. Jacksonville: Aldon Smith, DE, Mizz.		 29. Chicago: Derek Sherrod, OT, Miss. State
30. New York Jets: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor
31. Pittsburgh: Aaron Williams, CB/S, Texas
32. Green Bay: Marvin Austin, DT, UNC

(**)—Indicates trade

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