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2009 NFL Mock Draft: Dallas Cowboys

Written March 31, 2009 by Black Widow

Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft Everyone knows how big of a disappointment America’s Team was in 2008. The Cowboys were a huge failure considering the talent they had at their disposal. Owner Jerry Jones was not the only one who thought his team was a Super Bowl-caliber squad. Missing the playoffs with a 9-7 record came as a shock to observers who saw Dallas stacked with A-list talent. Jones has stated that the team will not be a major player in free agency this year, and it will be without a first-round pick after trading it to Detroit for Roy Williams. There are likely to be big personnel changes after last year’s debacle, so let’s look at the five positions Dallas needs to upgrade. Bloggin the Boys is hopeful that the team gets four quality players this year.

1.) Defensive Linemen – Tank Johnson will not be re-signed, and the team will need a backup for Jay Ratliff. Also DE Chris Canty left for their AFC East-rival New York Giants, furthering the need for linemen. DE Marcus Spears his heading into the final year of his deal. DE Jason Hatcher, who has only flashed potential, might not be the players the Cowboys envisioned when they drafted him in the third round in 2006. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: DE Jarron Gilbert (San Jose State), DL Terrance Knighton (Temple).

2.) Linebacker – Zach Thomas made comments about possibly seeking more money elsewhere at the end of the season last year, and might not return. Signing Keith Brooking from Atlanta in the offseason likely means Thomas will not be back. Kevin Burnett was a solid special teamer who played decently in nickel packages, but he never shown a lot of durability in his time in Dallas. That’s why they let him go to San Diego. Bobby Carpenter doesn’t have what it takes to play significant time. The Cowboys need someone inside to pair with Bradie James if Thomas leaves. James had an excellent ‘08 campaign. The weak-side ILB spot is typically a two-down position, but it requires someone who can stop the run and take on big blockers. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: LB Jasper Brinkley (South Carolina), ILB Antonio Appleby (Virginia).

3.) Safety – SS Roy Williams was cut in the offseason, and FS Ken Hamlin’s play dropped off last season. CB Anthony Henry could have moved to a safety position, but he was traded in the offseason to Detroit. Cutting Hamlin would likely be too expensive, and now that Williams and Henry are gone it really isn’t an option. Dallas did sign DB Gerald Sensabaugh from Jacksonville this offseason and could move him to safety. Bolstering the safety position with at least one pick in the draft is certainly needed. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: S William Moore (Missouri), S Michael Hamlin (Clemson).

4.) Offensive Linemen – The Cowobys have passed up on drafting offensive linemen the past few years and got in a bind last year when Kyle Kosier went down. They need to find a reserve offensive lineman who can play a couple different spots and is not afraid to start if needed. Montrae Holland was mediocre, Corey Proctor may only be a backup center, and Pat McQuistan is an unknown. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: OG Herman Johnson (LSU), OT Ramon Foster (Tennessee), OG Andrew Gardner (Georgia Tech).

5.) Quarterback – Brad Johnson was cut and Brooks Bollinger is a free agent. With the Cowboys trading CB Anthony Henry to the Lions for QB John Kitna, Dallas has a veteran QB to back up Tony Romo. But Kitna has never really won in this league and is not the long-term solution as a backup. You very well could see the Cowboys draft a developmental QB in the lower rounds. The last one they drafted? Quincy Carter in 1001. Buffor that? Bill Musgrave, who is the Falcons’ QB coach, in 1991. Not everyone is totally convinced Romo is the long-term answer, though he should be the starter for the next few years at least. Good Fits in ‘09 Draft Class: QB Nate Davis (Ball State), QB Stephen McGee (Texas A&M).

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