So far, the Cowboys have made four selections in the 2011 NFL Draft - and they've yet to make a trade shockingly. The picks by Dallas aren't glamorous whatsoever, but through their first four selections, they're solid picks.
↵Taking Tyron Smith at No. 9 overall was almost certainly the right call for the Cowboys. Smith is easily the top offensive line prospect in the draft, and you simply aren't going to be able to win in the NFL if you cannot protect the quarterback. I don't think anybody is happier with this selection than Tony Romo, who has taken a beating in recent years. David Arkin's selection in the fourth round also really shows the emphasis that the Cowboys are putting on rebuilding the offensive line.
↵Linebacker Bruce Carter was Dallas' second round selection - and somewhat of a risky one. Carter suffered an ACL injury in November, otherwise he would have likely been a first round pick. Carter may not contribute too much this year for Dallas since Carter won't even be a year removed from the surgery when training camp begins, but this is a pick that could pay off in the future - assuming Carter recovers fully.
↵Using a third rounder on DeMarco Murray, coupled with the rumors that Dallas tried to trade into the late first round to select Mark Ingram, suggests that Jerry Jones and Jason Garrett aren't happy with their running backs. Felix Jones has difficulty staying healthy and Marion Barber has become increasingly ineffective and expensive. Tashard Choice failed to seize the opportunity last year to elevate himself to be the main running back in Dallas. Murray's selection to me suggests that Barber's roster spot may be in jeopardy - as it should be.
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