As most Dallas Cowboys fans know, Jerry Jones is notorious for orchestrating some of the worst drafts in NFL history. Whether it’s over-reaching to fill positions of need or trading back to stockpile late-round picks, the team owner/GM has established a well-deserved reputation for draft day failures. This year, the Cowboys actually made some wise free agent signings that should allow them to draft the best available player – regardless of his position – instead of selecting based on need. That said, there’s still a very good chance that Jones will fall back into old patterns and try to strengthen areas of weakness by taking less-talented players too high in the first round.

Who the Cowboys Should Take

With the 14th pick in the first round, Dallas is well-positioned to nab an impact player. Any one of the following would be a wise selection:

• Dontari Poe, DT, Memphis – This guy can impact the team by making two positions better. At nose tackle, he’s an upgrade over the undersized Jay Ratliff. His addition would also allow Ratliff to move to end, where he’d be a big upgrade over what they had last year. Unfortunately for Cowboys fans, Jones has made it clear he will be keeping Ratliff in the middle, where he will continue to be swallowed up by double-teams.
• David DeCastro, OG, Stanford – This may not be a sexy pick; but it is a smart one. This guy is head-and-shoulders the best at his position and would immediately give Dallas a strong, athletic o-line.
• Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama – Not only is he an upgrade over Michael Jenkins, Kirkpatrick could be moved to free safety, which has been a problem area in Dallas for over a decade.
• Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State – Jones may have to trade up to get him, but he would instantly provide the penetration and pass rush the team so desperately needs.

Who Dallas Will Take

Jerry Jones is known for not learning from past mistakes. Here’s who he will probably take instead:

• Mark Barron, SS, Alabama – Years ago, Jones took Oklahoma safety Roy Williams with the 7th overall pick. Barron is a carbon copy of Williams, who was a big hitter but lacked coverage skills.
• Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama – Cowboys fans were incensed when Jones tabbed underachieving outside linebacker Anthony Spencer with the franchise tag. They’ll be even angrier if the Cowboys select Upshaw, who is a lot more like Spencer than DeMarcus Ware.
• Michael Brockers, DT, LSU – A few years ago, Dallas drafted another LSU defensive end named Marcus Spears. A solid run-stopper, Spears has frustrated fans by not providing any substantial pass rush. Brockers has shown signs of dominance; however, he’s been part of a rotational system that keeps him rested. In the NFL, he’ll tire quickly and many scouts have expressed concern that he doesn’t give full effort on a consistent basis.