Cornerback

Maybe if the Cowboys could have actually stopped the Giants aerial attack down the stretch, they’d be the ones hoisting the Lombardi Trophy instead of the Giants. Or maybe they would have just lost in the first round to the Falcons. Either way, they can’t be too pleased after ranking 24^th against the pass with 7.6 YPA allowed. Terence Newman almost definitely won’t be back next season and that would leave them with Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick at cornerback. That duo won’t be keeping any opposing quarterbacks up at night and most teams need 3 cornerbacks in today’s NFL. Dre Kirkpatrick and Janoris Jenkins will be considered with the 14^th pick.

3-4 Defensive End

Many people mocked JJ Watt to the Cowboys at 9 last year and for good reason. Both Stephen Bowen and Marcus Spears were free agents and Spears was an average player at best. The Cowboys went with Tyron Smith and it turns out that there was really no wrong answer there because both players had fantastic rookie seasons. However, the need at defensive end still exists, especially know that Stephen Bowen has since signed with the Washington Redskins. They signed Kenyon Coleman as a one year stopgap because he was familiar with Rob Ryan’s defense, but he wasn’t that great and now he’s a free agent. Meanwhile, for some reason, they signed Marcus Spears to a long term contract. He wasn’t that great either. Help is needed here. Michael Brockers could be the pick at 14.

Rush Linebacker

Anthony Spencer is at the end of his 5 year rookie contract and he’s been inconsistent and disappointing at best. He’s never had more than 6 sacks in a season. If he doesn’t return, they’ll need a new rush linebacker because I don’t think Victor Butler can be anything more than a situational player. Anthony Spencer could be franchised, however, for some reason.

Safety

Abram Elam was another one year stopgap brought over because of familiarity with Rob Ryan’s system, but he wasn’t very good. He’s a free agent this offseason.

 

Guard

A few years ago, the Cowboys had the oldest offensive line in the league. Now they have one of the youngest. There were some obvious growing pains last season, especially on the interior. Bill Nagy was pretty awful as a rookie before breaking his ankle. Montrae Holland was his replacement, but he’s a 32 year old journeyman and for good reason. Meanwhile, right guard Kyle Kosier just turned 33 so he might not be around much longer. He has already started showing signs of age and has also had trouble staying healthy.

Center

More growing pains on the offensive line for the Cowboys, center Phil Costa really struggled with snaps this season and was a below average blocker as well. They should look for a potential replacement for the undrafted rookie out of Maryland.

Middle Linebacker

Neither Bradie James nor Keith Brooking are expected back next season. That leaves stud middle linebacker Sean Lee and unproven 2011 2^nd round pick Bruce Carter in the middle for them. They need more depth.

Quarterback

The Cowboys put in a claim for Kyle Orton, but the Chiefs had a worse record so they got him. However, it’s clear they don’t think Stephen McGee can be Tony Romo’s primary backup with Jon Kitna retiring. They’ll probably try to find someone better suited for that role this offseason, either through the draft or a veteran (like Kyle Orton?) through free agency.

Running Back

The Cowboys cut Tashard Choice so when DeMarco Murray got hurt, they had to use Sammy Morris for significant carries. Neither Felix Jones nor Murray have a history of great health so they should try to find a capable 3^rd back to have in the mix so they don’t have to sign a 34 year old off waivers again in the worst case scenario.

Wide Receiver

Laurent Robinson really came on in the 2^nd half of the season as their 3^rd receiver, but he’s a free agent and he could leave for more money and a starting job. That would leave them needing a replacement 3^rd wide receiver, especially important because neither Dez Bryant nor Miles Austin seem to be able to stay healthy for 16 games, however talented they each are.