NFL Draft Needs: Dallas Cowboys

Arguably one of the most disappointing teams in 2010, the Dallas Cowboys head into the offseason looking to reload on offense and rebuild on the defensive side of the ball. After starting the season 1-7 under Wade Phillips, Jerry Jones brought the axe down on him and anointed Jason Garrett with the interim tag. Dallas finished 5-3 under Garrett, which was good enough to earn him the permanent position.

One of Garrett’s first tasks this offseason was to find a new defensive coordinator to replace Paul Pasqualoni, who departed to become the head coach at Connecticut. Knowing they needed an experienced set of eyes to take over the defense, the Cowboys hired Rob Ryan who has a daunting task in front of him. Here are some interesting defensive statistics compiled by Mickey Spagnola of DallasCowboys.com from the past season:

· 23rd in total defense (26th in passing defense)

· Gave up 5,628 yards of offense, which is the most in team history

· Gave up 3,894 net passing yards (1963 was the only time Dallas gave up more)

· Gave up 436 points, which is the most in team history

· Gave up 33 passing touchdowns (ties the team record set in 1962)

I think you should have a good idea of where the Cowboys need to improve the most this offseason based on these statistics. Below are the three biggest needs this offseason for Dallas.

1. Cornerback/Safety: Dallas was horrible against the pass in 2010 and it was due in large part to the inconsistent play of Mike Jenkins and Terrence Newman. After an impressive rookie season Jenkins took a step back this past year and Newman isn't getting any younger. With the ninth overall pick don’t surprised to hear Roger Goodell call Prince Amukamara’s name on draft day if he’s available. Although the draft features no elite safeties at the top of the draft, look for that need to be addressed in a later round or through free agency. There will be plenty of interesting options available for Dallas to improve its secondary

2. Offensive tackle: There is no question that the Cowboys’ offensive line improved when Garrett took over as head coach, but additional talent at tackle is needed. Doug Free had a solid year at left tackle, but Marc Colombo remains a liability on the right side with his history of injuries. Like safety, this year’s draft lacks elite tackle prospects, but there is good depth in the position. The Cowboys have to add a solid tackle prospect in round two or three because Alex Barron can’t be relied upon as your third option. Check out our offensive tackle rankings here.

3. Defensive End: Jay Ratliff alone can’t do everything himself and finding an upgrade at left defensive end should be a priority for the Cowboys. Stephen Bowen, the current starter at LDE, finished 2010 with 16 total tackles and 1.5 sacks. If Dallas chooses to ignore its secondary needs and goes for a defensive end in the first round a few possibilities could be Cameron Jordan , Marcell Dareus or Cameron Heyward. Jordan is coming off a strong Senior Bowl and is now considered one of the best 3-4 defensive end prospects. A sleeper prospect to keep an eye is Robert Quinn of North Carolina, who could play either end or OLB.

As a parting thought, here is David Halprin of Blogging the Boys thoughts on another position the Cowboys might address. "It's a 3-4 defense, so they are always looking for more linebackers. Keith Brooking is getting close to the end of a career at inside linebacker, and besides Sean Lee, they have no depth. And if they can find an OLB they like, they'll add him to the mix. Anthony Spencer has yet to fully-blossom, and again depth is always needed at the position since they'll carry eight or nine linebackers on the roster."