NFL Draft five-year Review: Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys (2010 record: 6-10, finished tied 3rd in the NF East)

5-Year NFL Draft Review: Jerry Jones is the owner of the Dallas Cowboys but he is also the general manager and is involved heavily in the drafting of future Dallas Cowboys players. The last five years they have had some mixed results in the first rounds but have added some solid starters and quality depth from the second and later rounds. Jones selection of Bobby Carpenter in the 2006 draft so far is the only hiccup in the last five years. He just never produced at the level the Cowboys were counting on and never truly fit their defensive system. Dez Bryant with all of his off the field troubles had a sensational rookie year and looks to be a star in the making if he can keep himself out of the newspapers or police reports. Felix Jones has had some spectacular moments, but can't seem to shake the injury bug. He gives them a breakaway threat in the running game and also the kick return game. Mike Jenkins is a solid man to man coverage corner but hasn't been consistent in his short career. Anthony Spencer has been a good complement opposite Demarcus Ware at the 3-4 outside linebacker position. Though not spectacular, he has been solid against the run and can get pressure on the QB when need be.

2010-(24th overall) Dez Bryant - WR - Oklahoma State: Bryant has a ton of abilities and very good skill set. His development in the near future will probably be the reason the team parts ways with underachieving WR Roy Williams. He has the size and speed to be a threat anywhere on the field. Has a knack for making great plays in returning punts. He seems to be a magnet right now for off the field troubles. If he can get a handle on that and stays focus he could be a star for the Cowboys for a long time.

2009- No Pick: The Cowboys traded away their first round pick to acquire WR Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions. Dallas first selection was not until the third round where they had two selections. They selected LB Jason Williams and OT Robert Brewster and neither made and impact. Will be backups on the depth chart at best.

2008-(22nd overall) Felix Jones - RB - Arkansas: Jerry Jones got the guy he wanted from his alma mater Arkansas. Felix has that rare game changing breakaway speed that had Jerry excited. He has been hampered by minor injuries thus far, but when he is on the field the entire offense opens up. He hasn't shown yet that he can be an every down back. He and fellow backfield mates Marion Barber and Tashard Choice gives Dallas perhaps the best trio of running backs in the NFL.

2008-(25th overall) Mike Jenkins - CB - South Florida: Jenkins was what the doctor ordered in 2008. Dallas needed a corner to play opposite of Terrence Newman. He is very good at man to man coverage. He also made it to his first pro bowl after the 2009 season. Jenkins and the entire secondary had an off year in 2010, partly due to inconsistency and lack of effort the last half of the season.

2007-(26th overall) Anthony Spencer - OLB - Purdue: This young man is a rock for the Cowboys at the 3-4 strong side OLB position. Demarcus Ware draws all of the double teams and the attention of the opponents offense leaving Spencer to defeat a lot of single man matchups. He is physical against the run and can pressure the QB.

2006-(18th overall) Bobby Carpenter - OLB - Ohio State: The selection of Carpenter was the worst pick in the last five years. He had many opportunities to produce, but never quite found his place on the team. Dallas parted ways with Carpenter in 2010. Probably the best move for the team and for Carpenter.

Future Outlook: The Cowboys as a team had a terrible season by Jerry Jones standards. Tony Romo was lost for the season in week 6. The offensive line never showed any cohesiveness and didn't open holes for the running game. The pass defense seemed as if they had given up on the season and was torched repeatedly the last half of the season. Coach Wade Phillips was fired during the season after a 1-7 start. Offensive coordinator Jason Garrett replaced him and quickly got the team playing better. Miles Austin and Jason Witten were the two most consistent players all year and rookie WR Dez Bryant before his season ending injury showed why he could emerge as a future star. Jerry Jones needs to focus on the offensive line, defensive line, and safety positions in the upcoming 2011 NFL draft. I have heard a lot of talk about the Cowboys needing a cornerback as a priority, but I disagree. Terrance Newman, though he is no spring chicken, and Mike Jenkins are just one year removed from both being selected to the 2009 Pro bowl. Now all of a sudden they can't cover diddly poo. Safety is more of a priority than corner, believe me. Jerry Jones and staff should be looking at some of these players to upgrade the team: Mike Pouncey, Anthony Castonzo, DeMarcus Love, Rahim Moore, DeAndre McDaniel, Marvin Austin, Cameron Heyward, and Jalil Brown.