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Cowboys will try to repeat past success in college free agent market this week
ByRainer Sabin / Reporter
rsabin@dallasnews.com | Bio

3:06 PM on Mon., Jul. 25, 2011

As much as the Cowboys' failures in the NFL Draft have been well-documented in recent years, so has their success in the college free agent market. Quarterback Tony Romo, receiver Miles Austin and defensive end Stephen Bowen were all found in football's equivalent of a bargain bin. And now their current worth far exceeds their initial value.

When free agency begins Tuesday, the Cowboys hope they can continue to lock down some of the best undrafted prospects. But the labor dispute that paralyzed the NFL for the entire spring and part of the summer has potentially reduced the competitive advantage the Cowboys had developed in the hunt for low-priced talent.

For the last few months, the Cowboys' competitors have had time to review the profiles of college free agents and make thorough evaluations of each player. If the prospect is worthy of an NFL contract, it stands to reason that every team is aware of his ability. And the competition to grab him will be that much more intense.

Here is a look at some of the top college free agents the Cowboys could pursue:

Ian Williams; DT; Notre Dame; Clogs the middle as a solid run-stopper but missed final four games of 2010 because of sprained knee ligament.
DeAndre McDaniel; S; Clemson; A player who has an eye for the ball, he made 15 interceptions in college career. Yet questions remain about his cover skills.
Ugo Chinasa; DE; Oklahoma State; A Richarson Berkner alumnus, he is a quick defensive end with a long frame who could develop into an impact player.
Mark Herzlich; DE/OLB; Boston College; The former ACC Defensive Player of the Year, he overcame cancer and started 13 games as a senior.
 
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