While the Dallas Cowboys' secondary is what needs the most help in the 2012 NFL Draft, there is also a need for more help along the offensive line. Dallas took some chances on the offensive line in 2011, including securing a keeper in Tyron Smith at the tackle position. There is a lot of talk about moving Smith to the blind side and moving Doug Free to the right side.
I don't know if Free is someone who will work well at either tackle position. He deserves a chance but I think they need to find a backup plan if Free slips up again. Bill Nagy has not had a chance to prove himself at guard thanks to his trip to the IR early in the year. Another problem area is center where Phil Costa just isn't strong enough for an NFL career.
Here is a look at where Dallas can find help in the 2012 NFL Draft. I am going under the assumption that Dallas grabs a corner in the first round, so I will only bother with people who should be available from the second round on.
Kelechi Osemele, Iowa State Cyclones (OT/G)
Kelechi Osemele (6-5, 333) is a big and strong lineman who played right tackle for Iowa State. That would make him a great person to plug in if Doug Free continues to give up sacks. If Free plays well, they can move him to guard, where Dallas needs help as well. Osemele is expected to be a second round pick and might be a great option for the Cowboys.
Will Blackwell, LSU Tigers (G/C)
Will Blackwell (6-4, 314) played a great senior season for the LSU Tigers, excelling in run blocking. If Dallas can get someone big to open holes for DeMarco Murray and Felix Jones, they might be on to something in 2012. Blackwell helped the Tigers burn a lot of yards in 2011 and should last till the fourth or fifth round, making him a nice later round pick. He gets bonus points for playing both the guard and center position.
Philip Blake, Baylor Bears (C)
Philp Baker (6-2, 312) was the center and one of the key blockers for Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III in college and is an expected second or third round draft pick. With Costa not the answer for the Cowboys' future, it is time to find a replacement. Blake is shorter and weighs less than Costa but he is a great athlete. Blake might be a great center when opening holes for the Dallas runners as well as being quick enough to block incoming linebackers.
Author Shawn S. Lealos has a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Oklahoma (2000) and has been a Dallas Cowboys' fan since he was a child. His favorite players range from Roger Staubach and Tony Dorsett to the Triplets of the 90s and he enjoys talking about all Cowboys' related news, good or bad
