(Editor's Note: The staff of DallasCowboys.com is currently previewing the depth chart at each position on the Cowboys' roster. The biggest remaining variable in determining that depth chart is the NFL draft, which begins April 28. This series will identify five potential draft picks who could affect the depth chart at each position.)
IRVING, Texas –The last two years, the Cowboys have taken a linebacker in the fourth round – pair of hard-hitting, but quick-to-the-ball defenders who have increased the team's depth at the position.
However, the Cowboys seemingly have their starters set at linebacker, with the return of Rolando McClain and Sean Lee coming off a Pro Bowl season, there's always room to improve.
So with that in mind, here are some possible fits at cornerback for the Cowboys. Let's look at five:
1. Myles Jack, UCLA –Depending on where the Cowboys' medical team stands on his knee, Jack would be a great fit in this scheme. If he's drafted in Dallas, he might not start out at middle linebacker, but that would be his ideal position for the long term. He's one of the more talented players in the draft and could've gone possibly in the top two or three picks had he not suffered a knee injury last year. But when healthy, he's so versatile that some teams have thought about moving him to safety and he did play some running back at UCLA, showing off his skills with the ball in his hands.
2. Deion Jones –Would the Cowboys take a linebacker in the middle rounds for three straight years? Why not? Jones is an athletic, physical player who can run and hit. That's what they got with Damien Wilson and Anthony Hitchens. But Jones is a bit smaller, weighing just 222 pounds at the combine. In fact, there are safeties that have bigger body types, but Jones will grow into that frame. He could be a dynamic special teams player as he develops into a potential starter.
3. Blake Martinez, Stanford –If the Cowboys wanted to stay in the middle rounds, but land a player different than Jones, then Martinez would be an ideal choice. He's similar to Sean Lee in his ability to find the ball and make plays. He plays with relentless effort and is one of those sideline-to-sideline players who shows up faster in the game than he might run in the 40 or in other agility drills.
4. Nick Kwiatkoski, West Virginia –Another nose-for-the-ball guy who doesn't possess the greatest physical traits, but plays with great awareness. He could be a Day 3 player in the fifth or sixth round. Guys like this are great on special teams because they have an instinct to find the ball and shed blocks. Plus, he could be a heady backup who will stay ready until his number is called.[embeddedad0]
5. Cassanova McKinzy, Auburn –Other than having a great name, he could be a good late-round addition. He lives in the backfield, recording 29 tackles for loss in the last three years, along with five sacks last season for the Tigers. He's got good size at 248 pounds and could play even heavier, to match his 6-1 frame. He can play multiple positions, which is how he can make the team from being a late-round pick.
