The Dallas Cowboys have serious questions in the secondary. Brandon Carr had a rough start to the 2014 season and will count north of $12 million against the salary cap if on the roster this year. Morris Claiborne can't seem to stay healthy or live up to his lofty draft status. Dallas ranked just 26th against the pass last year, allowing 251.9 yards per game through the air. Something has to change.
That is why the Cowboys will likely look to the NFL Draft for a talented young cornerback. Who might this lucky player be? UCONN's Byron Jones is a guy who stands out immediately.
"[Melvin] Gordon is an option for the Cowboys if he drops this far, but they can also look to add a running back later in the draft," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay wrote in his recent Mock Draft 4.0. "Cornerback is their second-biggest need, and Marcus Peters is a possibility here, but I'll have them take Jones. His recognition skills in coverage can improve, but he's an exceptional athlete with good size and great intangibles who could really help upgrade the corner position for Dallas."
The Cowboys have also been linked to Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson. But in this draft scenario the Arizona Cardinals snagged him three picks before the Cowboys were on the clock. The Green Bay Packers may select Peters a few picks after Dallas.
Unfortunately for the Cowboys, several other teams may be interested in Jones as well. Both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New England Patriots have been linked to the UCONN cornerback. The Steelers pick five spots ahead of Dallas while New England has never been shy about moving around the draft board.
Jerry Jones may have to do some maneuvering if he is dead set on landing Jones. If not, the Cowboys could address the defensive line with the No. 27 overall pick.
The NFL Draft kicks off April 30.
