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This is how I envision the final 53 man roster looking when that time comes.  Beside each player, you will see a number by their name.  This is an indicator of the position on the team that I believe each player is at currently.  So, for example, when you see the number one next to Jason Witten’s name, that means that he is the best player on the roster.  Also the number beside the position name will indicate how many players at that position I think we will keep.

Welcome to May’s version of your 2013 Dallas Cowboys:

QUARTERBACK (2)
Tony Romo – 3

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) talks with Kyle Orton (18) on the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- So much gets said about Romo. Without question, the most polarizing player on this team and possibly in the league. Definitively a top ten quarterback.

Kyle Orton – 17
- Orton’s true worth is the piece of mind that if Romo were to miss a game or two, all would not be lost.

RUNNING BACK (4)
DeMarco Murray – 8
- It’s all right there for Murray to take the giant leap to stardom, he just has to stay on the field.

Joseph Randle – 19
- A complete back who provides multiple options out of the backfield and insurance in case Murray cannot break his injury prone rap.

Lance Dunbar – 43
- Provides the abilities of a “change of pace” type back and can also contribute on special teams.

Lawrence Vickers – 51
- With the Cowboys wanting to go to more multiple tight end sets, his position on the team is far from secure.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6)
Dez Bryant – 4

Oct 23, 2011; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Miles Austin (19) prior to the game with Dez Bryant (88) against the St Louis Rams at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- The next great 88 in Cowboy blue. His numbers have increased every year he’s been in the league and may continue to do so in 2013.

Miles Austin – 16
- Explosive when healthy, this number could fall further if he continues his injury issues prior to the season starting. Austin is teetering on extinction in Big D.

Dwayne Harris – 18
- Took a huge leap forward in 2012 but unfortunately may need to fight for playing time thanks to the draft choices and offensive philosophy changes made in the offseason.

Terrance Williams – 24
- Possibly will be groomed to be the replacement for Austin. Tall, physical and willing to fight for the ball.

Cole Beasley – 33
- Showed flashes of ability to be a reliable slot receiver but will have to scrap for playing time in the new offense.

Danny Coale – 49
- Likely will need a big camp to make the squad unless he can prove to be a viable special teams option in the pre-season.

TIGHT ENDS (3)
Jason Witten – 1

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) scores a second quarter touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- The consummate professional. A top three tight end in the league, even in his 11th season. A pro’s pro and Romo’s most trusted safety valve.

Gavin Escobar – 27
- Comes in with very high expectations and needs to prove his second round draft status was worth passing on interior line help.

James Hanna – 34
- Had a solid rookie year and will look to build upon that as Dallas shifts into utilizing more dual tight end formations.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (10)
Tyron Smith – 7
- The building block for the line. By far, the best player on the unit.

Travis Frederick – 13
- Ready to come in and start from day one. Along with Smith, the foundation of the line for many years to come.

Nate Livings – 23
- Sandwiching him between Smith and Frederick should help him have a more productive year. Was clearly the Cowboys second best lineman in 2012.

Phil Costa – 26
- Injuries robbed him of almost the entire 2012 season. Should get plenty of opportunity to win the other starting guard spot.

Jeremy Parnell – 35
- Unless the unnamed player below is a tackle, Parnell would look to be the third different opening day right tackle in as many years for Dallas.

Mackenzy Bernadeau – 38
- Had a very sub par year last season and needs to improve quickly or he could be released.

Someone not currently on the roster – 45
- If the Cowboys do indeed, remove Doug Free from the equation, they will bring in a veteran to compete with Parnell for the starting right tackle spot at the very least.

Ronald Leary – 50
- Still probably a year away and very raw. Should win a roster spot though based on talent alone.

Kevin Kowalski – 52
Darrion Weems – 53
- Kowalski and Weems represent the last two to make the roster and do so solely based on the need to keep ten offensive linemen and the fact that they are young and will have time to continue to develop.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (8)
DeMarcus Ware – 2

Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) – defensive end Anthony Spencer (93) – linebacker DeMarcus Ware (94) – defensive tackle Jason Hatcher (97) – linebacker Bruce Carter (54) – nose tackle Jay Ratliff (90) and cornerback Brandon Carr (39) on the line of scrimmage before a play during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Browns 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

- One of the few sure to be future Hall of Fame players on the roster, Ware will be moving from OLB to DE but should maintain his almost 14 sack per year performance.

Anthony Spencer – 9
- The only starting defensive linemen under the age of 30, it will be interesting to see if Dallas signs him to a long-term deal to get some cap relief.

Jay Ratliff – 12
- Another Cowboy on the edge of no longer being on the team. Jerry has raved about him all offseason but Ratliff needs to prove it on the field.

Jason Hatcher – 14
- The most consistent linemen for the team last year, Hatcher has become one of the vocal leaders on this team.

Sean Lissemore – 28
- Best suited for backup duty, Lissemore was thrust into too much playing time as the line was decimated by injuries, including his own.

Tyrone Crawford – 31
- Needs to show improvement this year as a likely backup swing option between Ware and Spencer. Did not register a sack in all of 2012.

Kyle Wilber – 41
- Much like Bruce Carter the year before, last year was essentially a redshirt year for Wilber who will be asked to make the switch from OLB to DE.

Ben Bass – 48
- Ratliff’s uncertainty makes Bass all the more important. I feel his is the most talented of the many options to win that last line roster spot.

LINEBACKERS (7)
Sean Lee – 5

Jun 12, 2012; Irving, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee (50) and Bruce Carter (54) take a break during minicamp at Dallas Cowboys headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

- Lee is like the defensive equivalent of Murray, only thing holding him back from stardom is the injuries.

Bruce Carter – 10
- Carter was having a huge impact on the defense last year before the season ending injury. Hopefully he continues to progress to the next level.

Justin Durant – 29
- Likely to be the favorite for the third linebacker spot but not a lock as he will need to fight off Sims and Albright

Ernie Sims – 39
Alex Albright – 40
- Sims played really well last year when it seemed every Cowboys linebacker was done for the year with injury as did Albright so theoretically, back up roles should be in order for both players. Albright is also a special teams ace.

DeVonte Holloman – 46
Caleb McSurdy – 47
- Both guys should make the cut if only to provide bodies on special teams. Both are hugely unknown commodities as Holloman is a rookie and McSurdy missed all of 2012 due to injury.

CORNERBACKS (5)
Brandon Carr – 6

Nov 4, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) tips a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cowboys 19-13. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports

- The Cover-2 schemes that the secondary will employ this year fit Carr perfectly. We should see a slight uptick in his production from last year.

Morris Claiborne – 11
- All the natural talent anyone could ask for and a very solid rookie campaign, the future is exciting with Claiborne.

Orlando Scandrick – 20
- Another player who just needs to find a way to stay healthy and could be on the brink of release, 2013 will be a big year for Scandrick to prove he belongs in Big D.

Sterling Moore – 36
B.W. Webb – 37
- Moore and Webb are very similar in stature. While Moore is best suited for outside coverage, Webb could be the not so eventual replacement for Scandrick if he continues to falter. He also looks every bit the part of a dual threat in the return game.

SAFETIES (5)
Barry Church – 21
- Church had a breakout camp last year, only to miss the final twelve games due to an Achilles tear. How he comes back from that remains to be seen.

Matt Johnson – 22
- Another “redshirt” Cowboy, the coaching staff really seems to love this kid. He will be given every opportunity to start in Week 1.

Will Allen – 25
- Proven veteran leadership is what Allen brings to the table. Should definitely be in the mix for a starting spot given the other choices on the team.

J.J. Wilcox – 30
- At worst will contribute in dime packages however just as easily could be the week one starter. How his training camp goes will be interesting to watch.

Danny McCray – 32
- Special teams star who was asked to do too much last year. Provides good depth to position but should not be an every down player.

SPECIAL TEAMS (3)
Dan Bailey – 15

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) kicks the game winning field goal in overtime against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys won 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

- Already one of the best kickers in the game, has only missed seven field goals in two years, four of which came from 50+ yards.

L.P. Ladouceur – 42
- Consistent long-snapper and special teams producer, he has a role and he fits it perfectly, nothing more, nothing less.

Chris Jones – 44
- Won the job last year from long-time option Mat McBriar but then got injured and played in only four games last year. Should be the punter in 2013 unless he looses a camp battle to a free agent.

PRACTICE SQUAD (8)
Nick Stephens – QB
Anthony Armstrong – WR
Phillip Tanner – RB
Andre Smith – TE
Ray Dominguez – G
Rob Callaway – DL
Nick Hayden – DL
Brandon Underwood – CB

So there you have it, a quite preliminary look at what your 2013 Dallas Cowboys should look like.  Personally, I am hoping for a couple of additions, namely a veteran offensive tackle, a pass rush defensive end and last, but certainly not least, Charles Woodson.  We shall see what Dallas decides to do with their limited free cap space however.  Feel free to leave your thoughts on the player rankings, ideas for tweaks to the roster or who you might like to see brought in.

Rather than add to the melting pots of Mock Drafts out there, I’ve decided to take a step back from there and regain perspective on a few things. However I haven’t given up, merely just procrastinating until the week of the event instead. It seems in years past that at this point pundits have had a better grasp on where to place each prospect; however Mock Drafts have been all over the place with The Dallas Cowboys this year.

To prioritize this organization’s needs can seem a bit difficult at times, however the first question that must be asked is “What is the most important position on an NFL Roster?” If you’ve answered anything but the quarterback, then you are sadly mistaken. The truth is that through the good and bad, it doesn’t change the fact that Tony Romo is the most important player on this team. Tony got paid, and he deserves every penny of his guaranteed $55 million. Though saying this can be the thorn in the side of his many detractors; if you believe this team needs to release him and start over, then with all due respect, you are even more delusional than I thought.  So, with that said to place an order on this teams needs becomes a lot simpler and clearer.

Mar 13, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Chance Warmack runs a drill during Alabama pro day at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kelly Lambert-USA TODAY Sports

• Offensive Line- This team has 2 or 3 positions of need depending on how you look at it. If you are optimistic like me then 2 positions are what we are looking at here. Those positions are Right Tackle and Guard. This running game needs a boost, and it getting a Right Tackle with some power helps not only the running game but also Tony Romo. Speaking of that many of the 36 sacks taken last year came from the interior, that is where a Guard would do wonders to keep the quarterback on his feet and give him more time. Realistically speaking, Prospects that fit these needs are as follows: (in no particular order)

• Jonathan Cooper-G- North Carolina        
• DJ Fluker-T-Alabama
• Chance Warmack-G-Alabama                    
• Larry Warford-G-Kentucky
• Lane Johnson-T-Oklahoma                        
• Terron Armstead-T-Arkansas Pine Bluff
• Barrett Jone G/C/T-Alabama                     
• Justin Pugh-G-Syracuse

• Safety- This trumps the Defensive Line at this point due to the uncertainty level at the position. As much as the coaches praise Barry Church, and Achilles injury worries me a lot. Place that with the fact that Matt Johnson couldn’t seem to stay healthy for an hour, we have some issues looming. Will Allen has the RKG tendencies that Garrett always speaks of, but I’m not yet convinced. The Tampa-2 requires a smart and skilled Safety to be a leader in the backfield. Some prospects that fit this need is as follows: (in no particular order)

• Kenny Vaccaro-S-Texas                  
• JJ Wilcox-S-Georgia Southern
• Eric Reid-S-LSU                                    
• Phillip Thomas-S-Fresno State
• Matt Elam-S-Florida                          
•  Baccari Rambo-S-Georgia
• Jonathan Cyprien- Florida Int’l    
• Shamarko Thomas-S-Syracuse

• Defensive Line- On this unit, much like The Offensive Line there are possibly a few areas that could use an upgrade. With the recent acquiring of Justin Durant, I believe it may be safe to say that this year’s training camp battle begins at The SAM Linebacker position. Also with that said, other than maybe another late round addition, I’m marking that off the list of needs on the Defensive Line. That leaves a need at Defensive Tackle in both the 1 and 3 Technique. My thought is that this team will find Jay Ratliff as a good starter in the 3 Technique, but that doesn’t take them out of the rough yet. A 1-Tech is a sure need because Josh Brent isn’t coming back. The 1-Tech requires a “big boy” in the middle to help stuff the run. This team could also use some insurance at Defensive End. Some prospects who could fill these needs are as follows: (in no particular order)

• Star Lotulelei-DT-Utah                                    
• Sheldon Richardson-DT-Missouri
• Johnathan Hankins-DT-Ohio State            
• Kawann Short-DT-Purdue
• Sylvester Williams-DT-North Carolina      
•  Bjoern Werner-DE-Florida State
• Dion Jordan-DE-Oregon                                   
• Ezekiel Ansah-DE-BYU
• Alex Okafor-DE-Texas                                      
• Sam Montgomery-DE-LSU
• Cornelius Carradine-DE-Florida State
• Brandon Williams-DT-Missouri Southern State
• Barkevious Mingo- OLB-LSU
• Margus Hunt-DE-SMU

• Running Back- Although some have said that Felix Jones could come back, I don’t believe this team is too keen on the backup plan being injury prone. This offense needs a back that can spell DeMarco Murray when needed but also be able to handle the load if called upon. Neither Phillip Tanner nor Lance Dunbar in my opinion are cut from that cloth. The Dallas Cowboys will most likely be looking to fill this spot with a late round draft pick. Some prospects that could be of some assistance are: (in no particular order)

• Montee Ball-RB-Wisconsin                         
• Le’Veon Bell-RB-Michigan State
• Stepfan Taylor-RB-Stanford                      
• Marcus Lattimore-RB-South Carolina
• Andre Ellington-RB-Clemson                    
• Rex Burkhead-RB-Nebraska

This may seem like a lot to digest, and many may be pondering why the likes of Joeckel or Fisher haven’t made the list, but I don’t see the Cowboys trading up for either of those Offensive Tackles. I have always believed that this team needs to make a play at as much quality Offensive Lineman they can find. Even if the Cowboys are able to sign a proven veteran at Guard like Brandon Moore, I will stand pat that drafting O-Line is still the 1^st priority. As I have been preaching all along the best way for The Dallas Cowboys to go from “pretender” to “contender” is to improve these trenches. If this organization is able to make some “choice” selections in that area, this team can perhaps finally average more points than their opponents.

Ladies and Gents, we have a month. Who knows what may happen in this time regarding Free Agents, or current roster holders; however something tells me that a lot of things will come to fruition within the next few weeks. Now that the Cowboys have locked up there Franchise Quarterback, they will most likely be shifting focus into getting Anthony Spencer into a cap-friendly deal. What will be interesting is what the team will choose to do with their new-found savings. If I’m Stephen Jones, I’m looking to the quality Offensive Lineman that are still out there looking for a job; However I’m not losing sight of the only way to improve this organization long-term: The NFL Draft.