Round 1 (22) - Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas
Prior to the draft, rumors were flying about Jerry Jones moving up to select Darren McFadden, the talented Arkansas RB. Instead, he stayed put and got a perfect complement to Marion Barber. Jones might not have received the acclaim of his Razorback teammate, but he's an explosive player who provides the lightning to Barber's thunder. Jones is also an accomplished return specialist. He'll contribute immediately and show his worth as a first round pick.
Grade: A
Round 1 (28) - Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
Jenkins sat atop many a team's draft board at CB and the Cowboys were happy to take him here. He has top-notch cover skills and athletic ability, he just needs to show that he can do it every down. His off-field decison making has been questionable, and the addition of Pacman Jones to the Cowboys backfield might not provide him with an ideal role model. He'll be solid on the field immediately as a nickel back and should take over for the aging Anthony Henry before long.
Grade: B+
Round 2 (61) - Martellus Bennett, TE, Texas A&M
Is Martellus Bennett, who nearly declared for the NBA Draft out of high school, the next Antonio Gates? Only time will tell, but he instantly fills the hole left by Anthony Fasano being trading away. Some feel that Bennett, whose athletic skills are excellent, might be the best TE from this draft over time.
Grade: B-
Round 4 (122) - Tashard Choice, RB, Georgia Tech
Choice was an undervalued back with all the depth in this class, but he was an excellent pickup by the Cowboys. He's a hard-worker who will immediately backup Marion Barber and provide a spark to special teams coverage units.
Grade: B
Round 5 (143) - Orlando Scandrick, CB, Boise State
There's no questioning Scandrick's abilities. He's an adept cover corner with good size and speed. He still needs to learn better technique, but he'll get that opportunity with the Cowboys as a fourth or fifth corner with the potential to become a starter in a few years. Many felt that Scandrick's pro day workout would let him sneak as high as the late second round.
Grade: B+
Round 6 (167) - Erik Walden, OLB, Middle Tennessee State
Walden was an All-Conference defensive end at MTSU, but he'll move to the outside in Dallas' 3-4 scheme. He was probably a reach at this point and will likely only compete for a backup role, but could climb in the rotation if the Cowboys decide to move Bobby Carpenter.
Grade: D
Summary:
Overall, Dallas selected quality personnel and each should have an opportunity to compete for roster spots (and even starting roles), however they neglected to add a wideout when Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn will be collecting their NFL pensions before long and the backups (Hurd, Austin) have yet to show that they can carry a starting load. The Cowboys did also add a 3rd and 4th round pick to their 2009 arsenal.
Grade: B