TIME FOR YOUTH MOVEMENT: Dallas Cowboys may already have players to fill some of the 2013 NFL Draft needs

By robertdknight on 04/07/2013

With the 2013 NFL Draft merely weeks away, the Dallas Cowboys are in the final stages of preparing their draft board. The Dallas (and national) media and true blue Cowboy fans have their sights set on the perceived ‘needs’ of the 2013-2014 Dallas Cowboys roster. The consensus seems to be … draft for the trenches, find a strong safety, and add running back depth.

The most glaring need for the past few years has been on reinforcing the offensive line. That need is magnified by the recent 6-year extension and clear long-term commitment to Dallas quarterback Tony Romo. Jerry Jones did attempt to improve the offensive line during 2012 offseason. Largely, those moves didn’t pan out, due primarily to injuries. This year most people agree that the youth movement via the draft is the best solution.

Next, with the dismissal of Rob Ryan and the addition of defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, a few new needs surfaced. Kiffin believes that the current roster has good bones for the scheme change. He does have a few wish list requests … a 4-3 system safety and beefy pass rushing defensive lineman.

Offensively, the 2012 Dallas Cowboys kept up with the upper crust of the NFL in the passing game. The weakness was the run threat. While DeMarco Murray was outstanding when healthy, the concern is keeping the rhythm and balance when he’s not. With this in mind, the team has an open eye towards a compatible running back in this years draft. There are several young running backs currently on the roster that might fill this void. The question is … can they? Veteran Felix Jones isn’t really an option going into the 2013 season. Not because of his mental desire, or his leadership qualities … he’s simply deteriorated physically due to his knees.

The bread and butter of Jason Garrett’s offense has had to come from the passing game. The outside receivers (when healthy) remain two very formidable threats. This issue has been the slant receiver and the inside routes that many defenses leave open. With a total of nine receivers on the payroll, including last years fourth round pick, the Cowboys have several potential candidates. The hopes of finding that elusive 3rd receiver could very well be on the staff.

The Dallas Cowboys have 25 players that are entering their 2nd or 3rd season. All of these guys are 23-25 years old. That’s significant. Take a look at the players below, and ask yourself. Who’s going to be the next Sean Lee? Who will step up in 2013 and fill a need that currently exists? As we enter the 2013 NFL Draft, consider this … Dallas may already have players on the roster to fill some of the perceived needs. These young players are on the team because they show promise. This years NFL Draft will only enhance their potential.

	OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
16	Benford, Tim	WR	5-11	200	23	Tennessee Tech
81	Coale, Danny	WR	6-0	190	24	Virginia Tech
85	Green, Jared	WR	6-1	185	24	Southern University
11	Beasley, Cole	WR	5-8	177	23	Southern Methodist
87	Smith, Andre	TE	6-5	267	24	Virginia Tech
84	Hanna, James	TE	6-4	249	23	Oklahoma
66	Dominguez, Ray	G	6-4	329	24	Arkansas
65	Leary, Ronald	G	6-3	318	23	Memphis
62	Arkin, David	G	6-5	306	25	MissouriState
76	Simmons, Aderious	T	6-7	310	26	ArizonaState
75	Weems, Darrion	T	6-5	320	24	Oregon
25	Dunbar, Lance	RB	5-8	191	23	North Texas

	DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
31	Pellerin, Micah	S	6-0	195	24	Hampton
37	Johnson, Matt	S	6-1	215	23	Eastern Washington
58	Lemon, Orie	LB	6-1	242	25	OklahomaState
56	McSurdy, Caleb	LB	6-1	248	23	Montana
51	Wilber, Kyle	LB	6-4	246	23	WakeForest
64	Igbinosun, Ikponmwosa	DT	6-4	288	22	Southern Connecticut State
61	Taylor, Monte	DT	6-5	266	24	Cincinnati
79	Bass, Ben	DT	6-5	283	23	Texas A&M
72	Callaway, Rob	DT	6-5	324	25	Saginaw Valley State
98	Crawford, Tyrone	DT	6-4	285	23	BoiseState