2013 NFL Draft: Offensive Positional Rankings for Dallas Cowboys Draft Prospects

Bo Martin

Quarterback

  1. Geno Smith, West Virginia
  2. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas
  3. Matt Glennon, NC State
  4. Matt Barkley, USC
  5. Ryan Nassib, Syracuse
  6. Tyler Bray, Tennessee
  7. E.J. Manuel, Florida State
  8. Landry Jones, Oklahoma
  9. Matt Scott, Arizona
  10. Zac Dysert, Miami of Ohio

Summary:
The Cowboys aren’t going to look too much at the quarterback position here.  They are looking to lock up Tony Romo to an extension and have far more pressing needs.

A guy to watch in this draft will by Tyler Bray who could fall because of off-the-field issues but possesses the best NFL skill set out of all the prospects in this draft.

A sleeper-type guy is Matt Scott who has excellent mobility and arm strength but needs to work on his accuracy and decision-making.  He makes for the great developmental type QB.

Running Back

  1. Marcus Lattimore, South Carolina
  2. Eddie Lacy, Alabama
  3. Andre Ellington, Clemson
  4. Stepfan Taylor, Stanford
  5. Giovanni Bernard, North Carolina
  6. Joseph Randle, Oklahoma State
  7. Mike Gillislee, Florida
  8. Montee Ball, Wisconsin
  9. Kenjon Barner, Oregon
  10. Le’Veon Bell, Michigan State

Summary:
The Cowboys desperately need a reliable second running back.  Felix Jones was a bust and neither Phillip Tanner nor Lance Dunbar project as franchise type guys.  DeMarco Murray’s injury history makes this a substantial need.

A guy like Lattimore still holds the number one spot because of his elite potential.  A good character guy and hard worker, Lattimore has a great all-around skill set.  He won’t be able to contribute until 2014 but his talent is worth considering.

A guy to watch here will be Andre Ellington who plays big enough to be an every-down back but has great straight line speed and vision.  He could emerge as a franchise caliber back.

Wide Receiver

  1. Cordarrelle Patterson, Tennessee
  2. Tavon Austin, West Virginia
  3. Keenan Allen, California
  4. DeAndre Hopkins, Clemson
  5. Terrance Williams, Baylor
  6. Quinton Patton, Louisiana Tech
  7. Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee Tech
  8. Justin Hunter, Tennessee
  9. Stedman Bailey, West Virginia
  10. Markus Wheaton, Oregon State

Summary:
Eventually the Cowboys need to look at Miles Austin’s replacement.  However, I believe they like the development of Dwayne Harris and Cole Beasley and will give those guys every chance to succeed.

Tight End

  1. Zach Ertz, Stanford
  2. Tyler Eifert, Notre Dame
  3. Dion Sims, Michigan State
  4. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn
  5. Jake Stoneburner, Ohio State

Summary:
The Cowboys are looking for a blocking tight end in this draft to help with the run-balanced offense they employ.

The Cowboys will not have a shot at some of the elite guys in this draft but a guy like Lutzenkirchen could be had late or even as an undrafted free agent and is worth watching.

Offensive Guard

  1. Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina
  2. Chance Warmack, Alabama
  3. Larry Warford, Kentucky
  4. Kyle Long, Oregon
  5. Barrett Jones, Alabama
  6. Brian Winters, Kent State
  7. David Quessenberry, San Jose St.
  8. Justin Pugh, Syracuse
  9. Dallas Thomas, Tennessee
  10. Alvin Bailey, Arkansas

Summary:
There is a big need here for the Cowboys.  There is a thought that the Cowboys may switch to a zone-run scheme which makes Cooper the best possible guard.

If the Cowboys can get away with any of the top six guys they’ll feel like they vastly improved the weakest position of their team.

Offensive Tackle

  1. Luke Joeckel, Texas A&M
  2. Eric Fisher, Central Michigan
  3. Lane Johnson, Oklahoma
  4. D.J. Fluker, Alabama
  5. Menelik Watson, Florida State
  6. Terron Armstead, Akransas-Pine Bluff
  7. Kyle Long, Oregon
  8. Oday Aboushi, Virginia
  9. Brennan Williams, North Carolina
  10. Chris Faulk, LSU

Summary:
Joeckel, Fisher and Johnson are are elite guys who will go in the top of the first round.  A guy like Fluker is who is interesting.

Fluker is a nasty right tackle who is a monster in run-blocking.  The Cowboys really suffered with Free at right tackle and an upgrade is needed if the Cowboys want to keep Tony Romo in tact.

Center

  1. Travis Frederick, Wisconsin
  2. Barrett Jones, Alabama
  3. Brian Schwenke, Claifornia
  4. Khaled Holmes, USC
  5. Braxton Cave, Notre Dame

Summary:
Centers are an overlooked and under-drated position.  I believed that they Cowboys would look here in the draft but adding extensions to Phil Costa and Ryan Cook makes be believe they’re comfortable moving forward with what they have.