Dallas Cowboys 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft
By Blake Meek
Oct 21, 2012; Charlotte, NC, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones point to the fans prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys are undergoing a major change this offseason in switching from the 3-4 to a 4-3. This is a major risk when you have one of the best 3-4 OLBs in the league in DeMarcus Ware. Tony Romo was his normal self last year, making some spectacular throws and then making some absolutely head scratching throws. He threw 19 INTs last year, which he has to bring down this year if Dallas wants to make the playoffs. DeMarco Murrays injury concerns are showing, as he has yet to stay healthy an entire season in his first 2 years. The offensive line is also a big worry for the Cowboys. They need help in the middle of that line at both guard spots and at center. They also need help at safety. They got their cornerbacks last year in Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne.
Sept 1, 2012; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns free safety Kenny Vaccaro (4) intercepts a pass intended for Wyoming Cowboys wide receiver Chris McNeil (80) during the first half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Kenny Vaccaro – The Cowboys safeties last year were really bad. They released Gerald Sensabaugh in early March and Barry Church may not be 100% at the start of the season after tearing his Achilles. Vaccaro gives the Cowboys a lot of versatility at safety, having the ability to drop down and cover the slot WR or dropping back into zone coverage. Vaccro didn’t produce many turnovers at Texas, which causes some concern about his ability to be a true centerfielder back there. He is very aggressive in the run game, coming up and making a play on the ball carrier very quickly. He can get overly aggressive at times however, causing missed tackles.
Jan 26, 2013; Mobile, AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad defensive back Jonathan Cyprien of Florida International (37) prior to kickoff of a game against the Senior Bowl south squad at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jonathan Cyprien – If Vaccro is taken by a team before the Cowboys pick, or possibly even if he is there, the Cowboys could go with Cyprien. He has flown up the draft boards since the Senior Bowl. Cyprien is a physical, aggressive safety who plays every snap with a full speed effort. He really enjoys the physical nature of the safety position, hitting the ball carrier with a pop and refusing to relent. He has shown good ball skills, showing the ability to extend and grab the ball out of the air. Played some of his best games against the top competition he played. Does occasionally tackle players up high.