After failing to create cap space, the Dallas Cowboys had a relatively quiet free agency. Yes, DeMarcus Ware was released and they couldn't bring back Jason Hatcher, but there is reason to believe Dallas' defense in 2014 will be better. The signings of Terrell McClain and Jeremy Mincey showed that the Cowboys have put their faith in defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli to work his magic for next season.
Owner and general manager Jerry Jones believes that Dallas can make a playoff run. While Cowboy fans know that will likely not happen, it will be interesting to see how Dallas' brass does in the NFL Draft. With needs on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys have their work cut out for them. Their schedule is much harder from previous seasons and every team has improved in the NFC East.
Wide Receiver
While Dallas did select Terrance Williams in the third round last year, the Cowboys should look to address the wide receiver position early in this year's draft. Dez Bryant is one of the most dominant receivers in the NFL, but he needs a player who can take some pressure off him on the other side. Williams will be more effective in the slot too.
Offensive Tackle
Doug Free started off last season extremely strong. But the bad thing is that he was horrible for the last month of the season. Bryan Broaddus of DallasCowboys.com said Free could be moved inside to play guard, which would leave an opening at the right tackle position.
Defensive Line
A defensive tackle or a defensive end will be in play here. Right now, it looks like Dallas will go best player available on defense when they are on the clock. Dallas needs a 1-technique player to put next to Henry Melton and there are some good targets in this year's draft class.
Free Safety
J.J. Wilcox started off the 2013-2014 NFL season exceptionally well. After his concussion injury early in the season, Wilcox looked lost. He missed a large portion of training camp because he went to be close to his ailing mother. Many draft experts have the Cowboys selecting a free safety in the first round. I am one of those people that believes the Cowboys should wait until the middle rounds to select a safety.
Day One Targets
Aaron Donald: Donald has become the most popular pick in mock drafts for the Cowboys. While pairing Donald with Melton would be a bit unorthodox, the two would wreak havoc in the middle of the field for years with stars on their helmets. Donald is the "quick-twitch" defensive tackle Dallas is looking for.
Scott Crichton: Many will say Konly Ealy is the best defensive end prospect around this time in the draft. I honestly believe Oregon State's Scott Crichton is a better player. He plays with a lot of speed and he is athletic as any. Crichton could really become special with some coaching from Marinelli.
Zack Martin: If the Cowboys decide to go the offensive tackle route in the draft, Notre Dame's Zack Martin would be the likely pick. Taylor Lewan could also be an option, but Martin shows the versatility to play guard. Versatility on the offensive line is something the Cowboys value.
Calvin Pryor: It has been rumored that Ha Ha Clinton-Dix will likely be off the board before Dallas' selection. That mean Calvin Pryor would be the best safety prospect when Dallas is on the clock. Pryor brings a lot of swagger and he has a love for making the big hit. Pryor has been rumored to Dallas for awhile now.
Day Two Targets
Martavis Bryant: A big, speedy receiver is something the Cowboys could likel. At 6'5", 205 pounds, Bryant has good size. Add in his 4.42 40-yard dash and it is easy to see why I like the Clemson product. He never got enough spotlight behind Sammy Watkins in Clemson's offense, but he has a real chance to be better than Watkins in the NFL.
Dominique Easley: If it weren't for his two ACL injuries, Dominique Easley would likely be a top-ten pick. He has been viewed as the best 3-technique prospect in the draft and he shows the ability to make an impact against the run and get after the quarterback.
Trent Murphy: Stanford has produced some good NFL pass rushers in the past few years. Murphy is a little small, but he plays with a lot of bend and he could become a solid rotational player in his rookie year with some NFL seasoning.
Terrence Brooks: Florida State had one of the best defenses in 2013 and free safety Terrence Brooks was a big reason because of that. He is a bit small, but he plays with good vision that allows him to make plays across the gridiron.
Mid-to-Late Round Targets
Jerick McKinnon: Offensive weapons are becoming a hot trend across the NFL. Players like Danny Woodhead and Darren Sproles have made a living by bringing an extra dimension to an NFL offense. Georgia Southern's Jerick McKinnon is this year's offensive weapon.
Caraun Reid: Although he played football at Princeton, Caraun Reid has become a player to watch as the draft nears. After impressing at the Senior Bowl, Reid has been a draft riser. He is a versatile defensive tackle prospect who could become a good player with some added bulk.
Aaron Lynch: Jadeveon Clowney has the most potential out of any defensive end prospect in this draft. But if there is someone who could be just as good, it is definitely Aaron Lynch. Before transferring to South Florida, Lynch was seen as the best thing at Notre Dame. He would be a good value pick on Day Two.
Final Seven-Round Mock
1. Aaron Donald, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh
2. Trent Murphy, Defensive End, Stanford
3. Billy Turner, Offensive Tackle, North Dakota State
4. Martavis Bryant, Wide Receiver, Clemson
5. Jaylen Watkins, Free Safety/Cornerback, Florida
7a. Dri Archer, Running Back/Offensive Weapon, Kent State
7b. Ronald Powell, Outside Linebacker, Florida
7c. Ethan Westbrooks, Defensive End, West Texas A&M
7d. Shamar Stephen, Defensive Tackle, UConn
7e. Justin Britt, Offensive Tackle, Missouri
7f. John Urschel, Offensive Guard, Penn State