2007 DRAFT NEEDS:

DALLAS COWBOYS

presented by

by PFT Editor Mike Florio, with Matt Miller of NewEraScouting.com

G.M. Jerry Jones never has to worry about the short-term or long-term consequences of having a bad draft, since owner Jerry Jones would never fire him.

And we've always believed that the resulting absence of ultimate accountability for bad draft and free-agency decisions had made it hard for the Cowboys to regain the prominence that the franchise enjoyed when G.M. Jerry Jones was being assisted by coach Jimmy Johnson.

There's now another new coach of the Cowboys, and yet again he's no Jimmy Johnson.  But for a four-year stint with Bill Parcells at the helm, who did well but all things considered underachieved in Big D, the coaches of the franchise have been so-so at best.

Wade Phillips is no exception.

Though the new head coach is a defensive specialist, Jones could finally be realizing that offense, not defense, was responsible for the three championships that the team won in the 1990s.  And offense should therefore be the focus of this draft. 

1.  Wide receiver:  Though the team has two starters in Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn, both will be 33 at the start of the season.  And that's ancient for wideouts.  It's time to add some guys who will take the lead at the position in the not-too-distant future.  Since Jones the G.M. won't get fired by Jones the owner if he reaches for a guy who has had a substandard pre-draft workout, a risk-reward player like Ted Ginn could be the guy at No. 22.  Or maybe even Dwayne Jarrett.

2.  Offensive tackle:  Depth is needed, despite the possibility that Leonard Davis will eventually take over for Flozell Adams at left tackle.  Marc Colombo is a year-to-year performer, and it might be a good idea to start grooming someone else to take his place.

3.  Guard: Marco Rivera is done, so depth is needed even with Leonard Davis now starting on the right side.

4.  Cornerback:  Anthony Henry could be moved to safety, making the need significantly greater for more cornerbacks who can play at a high level.

5.  Defensive tackle:  Jason Ferguson is a streaky player, with a reputation for going a little soft in any and all non-contract years.  It's important to have someone ready to step in, if necessary, in this key area of the team's defense.