Since 2008 the Cowboys have drafted 24 players: 3 starters, 13 backups, 4 players are on other teams, 3 are out of the league and 1 is on the PUP/injured reserve list. Other than Bryant only one other 2010 pick made his debut for the Cowboys last season and it was LB Sean Lee. The other 4 picks in 2010 Sam Young with 4th round pick has potential to be starting right tackle of the future. The other 3, 2 are still on the team in 3rd round pick Free safety Askwasi Owusu-Ansah who spent almost the entire season on injured reserve and hasn’t showed if he can even play in the league and Sean Lissemore the teams 7th round pick who before an injury showed the Cowboys he could play end and nose tackle.

This year the Cowboys have 7 picks, a first round, second round, third round, fourth, fifth, sixth and 2 sevens. Whether the Cowboys stay at the number 9 spot in the first round or trade down they need to get a guy who can start and play well at the next level. They have not picked well lately lets hope the Bryant pick last season was a step in the right direction. Who do you all think they Cowboys should take? Should they trade down or stay put?

Cowboys fans were expecting a lot from this year’s draft after last year after Jerry Jones shipped out first and third round picks to Detroit in exchange for Roy Williams. Then the Cowboys traded out of the second round and ultimately out of the possibility of any drafted players making big contributions on the field (John Phillips’ 48 catches, 385 yards and 2 touchdowns not included). It was anything but exciting.

This year, Jones and company decided to take a different direction.

#24 OVERALL: Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State

Grade: A

It doesn’t get much better in the first round than this. Bryant slid and the Cowboys went up to get him. Bryant just missed the A+ grade because of character issues but he was the best receiver in the draft. The Cowboys offense just got scary. Imagine this, if you will: Miles Austin and Roy Williams split out wide, Bryant in the slot, Jason Witten at tight end and Felix Jones in the backfield. What do defensive coordinators do? Other teams are going to have to pick their poison. Even Williams looks dangerous in this offense. This was one of the steals in the first round. Great job by Jerry to jump Baltimore to get his guy.

#55 OVERALL: Sean Lee, Penn State

Grade: B

The Cowboys needed to think about middle linebacker at some point in the draft. They had Lee ranked as a first-round pick so they moved up in the draft to get their guy. Lee brings smarts, speed and solid play right away as he’ll undoubtedly unseat Bobby Carpenter as the nickel linebacker and he’s projected to replace Keith Brooking at some point down the road.

#126 OVERALL: Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana of Pennsylvania

Grade: A

Mr. Impossible Name played a lot of corner and free safety in college. He was a return man too. He could fit in right away as a returner, but his name is going to be in the mix for the starting free safety spot. He might need some time to adjust from a lesser division, but the guy has talent. This is going to be one of the guys to watch during training camp. I sure want to see what he’s made of. Great job by Landry Hat for picking up on this guy early.

#179 OVERALL: Sam Young, Notre Dame

Grade: B

Young was a four-year starter in an offensive line that saw some pretty good collegiate quarterback play. He probably needs some work, but he could replace Marc Columbo eventually. He’s a steal this late.

#196 Overall: Jamar Wall, Texas Tech

Grade: C

The Cowboys needed a corner, but this one might not have been the best option. Wall is a little slow for the NFL. That being said, he saw plenty of Michael Crabtree in practice (Crabtree refused to line up against anyone else because Wall offered the most challenging matchup) and he matched up against Bryant. We’ll keep an eye on Wall. Don’t expect much from him this year, though.

#234 OVERALL: Sean Lassimore, William and Mary

Grade: A

Hustle. Motor. Grit. Lassimore brings all those things and a great value so late in the draft. With all the trade talks going on with Marcus Spears, the Cowboys were smart to lock up a player that can probably play the nose tackle spot or at end.

OVERALL GRADE: A-

The Cowboys had a heck of a draft. This draft class could get the Cowboys over the hump this year and push for a deep playoff run. The Cowboys would be smart to address a few other positions-free safety and offensive line-in free agency. It’s likely that anybody we pick up through free agency would be a backup, so the Cowboys got better by drafting the best players that were out their according to their boards.