A 6-10 finish to the 2010 season guaranteed the Cowboys one thing -- they will be drafting in the top 10.
The Cowboys have the No. 9 pick in the first round of April's NFL Draft and there are several directions the franchise can go.
With that in mind, SportsDayDFW takes a look at some possible draft targets for the Cowboys first round selection.
Best Case Scenario
1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The best cover corner in the draft. Peterson has great size, athleticism and exceptional return skills. He's as close to a "can't miss" prospect as a team could possibly select at the bottom of the top 10.
2. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson - Arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft. Bowers could instantly upgrade the Cowboys front line whether in a 3-4 or 4-3 system.
3. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - Not as dynamic as Peterson but clearly the second best option at the position. Amukamara failed to record an interception this season, but quarterbacks only completed 13 passes in his direction.
4. Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama - Like Bowers, Dareus could be a valuable upgrade over Igor Olshansky or a solid replacement to free agent Marcus Spears.
Nice Value
5. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina - The downside on Quinn is that he was ruled ineligible during the 2010 season after it was discovered that he took improper benefits from agents. However, Quinn was so impressive the year before that some experts have compared him to All-Pro end Julius Peppers.
6. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa - It's evident that the defensive end position is deep in this draft. Clayborn, who is undersized for a pro defensive end, is known for having a high football IQ and great instincts at the edge position.
Other Possibilities
7. Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn - A good pass rusher with an impressive first step. Not exactly an immediate need, but Fairley could become a quality contributor early in his career.
8. Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida - The next best cover corner on the board. Jenkins lacks the 6-1 height that the top two corners possess.
9. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue - He's a gritty defender that could contribute valuable work ethic and leadership for years to come.
10. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado - Arguably the top offensive lineman in the draft. Not the prospect that Jake Long or Joe Thomas were coming out of college but could be a solid starter for 10 or more seasons.
Fan Favorite Longshot
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M - Miller is a good fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. However, he may be a reach at No. 9.
The Cowboys have the No. 9 pick in the first round of April's NFL Draft and there are several directions the franchise can go.
With that in mind, SportsDayDFW takes a look at some possible draft targets for the Cowboys first round selection.
Best Case Scenario
1. Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU - The best cover corner in the draft. Peterson has great size, athleticism and exceptional return skills. He's as close to a "can't miss" prospect as a team could possibly select at the bottom of the top 10.
2. Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson - Arguably the best defensive lineman in the draft. Bowers could instantly upgrade the Cowboys front line whether in a 3-4 or 4-3 system.
3. Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska - Not as dynamic as Peterson but clearly the second best option at the position. Amukamara failed to record an interception this season, but quarterbacks only completed 13 passes in his direction.
4. Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama - Like Bowers, Dareus could be a valuable upgrade over Igor Olshansky or a solid replacement to free agent Marcus Spears.
Nice Value
5. Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina - The downside on Quinn is that he was ruled ineligible during the 2010 season after it was discovered that he took improper benefits from agents. However, Quinn was so impressive the year before that some experts have compared him to All-Pro end Julius Peppers.
6. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa - It's evident that the defensive end position is deep in this draft. Clayborn, who is undersized for a pro defensive end, is known for having a high football IQ and great instincts at the edge position.
Other Possibilities
7. Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn - A good pass rusher with an impressive first step. Not exactly an immediate need, but Fairley could become a quality contributor early in his career.
8. Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida - The next best cover corner on the board. Jenkins lacks the 6-1 height that the top two corners possess.
9. Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue - He's a gritty defender that could contribute valuable work ethic and leadership for years to come.
10. Nate Solder, OT, Colorado - Arguably the top offensive lineman in the draft. Not the prospect that Jake Long or Joe Thomas were coming out of college but could be a solid starter for 10 or more seasons.
Fan Favorite Longshot
Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M - Miller is a good fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. However, he may be a reach at No. 9.