In SB Nation's latest and greatest 2011 NFL Mock Draft, the Dallas Cowboys are projected to take University of Southern California lineman Tyron Smith with the ninth overall pick.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Tyron Smith, OT, USC. Though he's very raw, Smith has huge upside as both a pass blocker and run blocker.
Almost everything written about Smith leading up to the draft has included the word raw and/or project. Still, Smith is regarded as the top offensive lineman in the upcoming draft.
Previous mock drafts had the Cowboys selecting Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara. However, Amukamara's stock has risen and he is not expected to be there at No. 9 when the Dallas Cowboys are on the clock. SB Nation's latest mock has Amukamara being selected seventh overall by the San Francisco 49ers.
Recently, Todd McShay of ESPN projected that the Cowboys would select defensive end Da'Quan Bowers with the ninth overall pick. Bowers, according to SB Nation's latest mock, would still be there on the board for Dallas at nine if Jerry Jones and company wished to opt for the defensive lineman over the offensive lineman.