Feb 27, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dont

Each fan enters the draft with their own perceptions of what their team needs and Cowboys fans are no different. You could probably poll 10 different Cowboys fans and get 10 different players that they want to get drafted for the Cowboys at 18. The needs for the Cowboys even before any of the current roster is cut to save cap room are offensive lineman, defensive tackle, safety and wide receiver. At each position there are various players that the Cowboys could look at with the 18th overall pick in the Draft. As far as evaluating talent, most people like to talk and discuss the first round, because it grabs the most attention, but the Combine is more about the other six rounds and separating the talent and finding gems in the later rounds. The Combine will be used for three reasons for the draft personnel. The performance of a player at the Combine will either affirm the assessment of players, both good and bad, it can completely nullify any preconceived notion about a player based on their previous assessment, or it will shock and awe the scouts and cause them to re-evaluate a player and re-focus on game tape and reasons to draft or not draft a player.

Entering the 2013 NFL Combine there are 5 major stories that every Cowboys fan and fan of the NFL should be watching. This post will discuss those stories and give an idea of what to look at when watching the coverage of the Combine this weekend, and reviewing the scores and performances of the players.

Jan 24, 2013; Fairhope AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad wide receiver Denard Robinson of Michigan (16) runs a route during Senior Bowl practice at Fairhope municipal stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

10) Denard Robinson – WR – Michigan
Robinson is an interesting player because he is transitioning from QB to WR. He is a dynamic talent with unmatched speed. He is very raw, being a QB most of his football life, but we have seen plenty of athletic QBs make the switch from QB to WR in recent years. It all started with Kordell Stewart and continued to Antwaan Randel-El to Brad Smith and Julian Edelmen. If Robinson is able to beat defenders off the ball, show some skills on special teams and make some catches in space, he could land himself a spot in the late rounds of the Draft in April.

9) Stepfan Taylor – HB – Stanford
Running backs in college are getting smaller and more speed driven. Except at Stanford. Taylor is your typical run through the tackles style back. The Cowboys need a back up for DeMarco Murray. Not only has Murray had multiple bouts with injuries in his first two seasons, but the Cowboys have not had a competent back to spell Murray even when healthy. The Cowboys offense runs on play action passing and forcing opposing defenses to honor the run creating one-on-one match ups on the outside. Right now Taylor is slated as a 3-4th round grade, but a good showing on Saturday could make him a viable option for the Cowboys.

8) Kyle Long – OL – Oregon
Long has great blood lines being the son of Raiders great and Fox Sunday analyst Howie Long. Long has a checkered pas when it comes to football, he bounced around while trying to make it as a pitcher in baseball at Florida State, then left and went to Junior College to play football. He made his way to Oregon where as a senior he finally got a chance to play Guard for Chip Kelly and the Ducks. He is very raw and can play RT or move inside if necessary. Everyone knows the Cowboys need as much offensive line hep as they can get so Long may be a good fit somewhere on day 3 of the NFL Draft.

Jan 24, 2013; Fairhope AL, USA; Senior Bowl north squad quarterback Zac Dysert of Miami OH (7) passes during Senior Bowl practice at Fairhope municipal stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

7) Zac Dysert – QB – Miami (OH)
The Cowboys are set at quarterback with Tony Romo, so using a first through third round pick on a quarterback just does not seem in the best interest for the Cowboys. However later in the draft a guy like Dysert may fit nicely. He has a strong arm and comes from the same school as Big Ben Roethlisberger. The comparisons have been made all throughout his collegiate career, and he could be a good pick to learn the ropes and be a viable option if something should happen to Tony Romo.

6) T.J. McDonald – S – USC
McDonald played safety under current Dallas defensive coordinator TJ McDonald, so there should be some easy learning. McDonald has put together some good coverage skills in one-on-one drills this week in Mobile, and during the season he is known for being a good tackler. He will have to show the ability to come up and make plays, and if he can make plays on the ball, he may be the guy the Cowboys are looking for in the secondary.

See the rest of the list on the next page…