The Dallas Cowboys might be open to selecting linebacker Courtney Upshaw with the No. 14 pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, executive vice president Stephen Jones said.
In an interview posted by the Dallas Morning News, Jones was asked about the three Alabama products -- including Upshaw, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Mark Barron -- who are possibly going to be on the board when the Cowboys take their turn in the draft.
After signing the praises of Kirkpatrick and Barron, Jones said Upshaw will merit the team's attention.
"He's a guy we're really going to have to take a long, hard look at over the next couple of weeks to see is he a (strong-side) linebacker for us, what is his more natural position or is he more of a defensive end," Jones said.
Jones, who met with all three players, spoke highly of Alabama's program. He said that "you can tell (Kirkpatrick, Barron and Upshaw have) been coached up well. They said (Alabama coach) Nick (Saban) gets involved individually in coaching them and has high expectations for them."
The Cowboys are projected to take Barron by NFL Network's Charley Casserly, Albert Breer and Charles Davis, all of whom predict the team will use the pick to shore up its secondary.
In an interview posted by the Dallas Morning News, Jones was asked about the three Alabama products -- including Upshaw, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Mark Barron -- who are possibly going to be on the board when the Cowboys take their turn in the draft.
After signing the praises of Kirkpatrick and Barron, Jones said Upshaw will merit the team's attention.
"He's a guy we're really going to have to take a long, hard look at over the next couple of weeks to see is he a (strong-side) linebacker for us, what is his more natural position or is he more of a defensive end," Jones said.
Jones, who met with all three players, spoke highly of Alabama's program. He said that "you can tell (Kirkpatrick, Barron and Upshaw have) been coached up well. They said (Alabama coach) Nick (Saban) gets involved individually in coaching them and has high expectations for them."
The Cowboys are projected to take Barron by NFL Network's Charley Casserly, Albert Breer and Charles Davis, all of whom predict the team will use the pick to shore up its secondary.
