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NFL Mock Draft 2013: Cowboys select D.J. Fluker

Dallas has needed offensive line help forever and can address it with the addition of Fluker.

By Matt Verderame
Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

In SB Nation's latest NFL mock draft, expert Matthew Fairburn has the Dallas Cowboys selecting Alabama Crimson Tide right tackle D.J. Fluker in the first round.

Fluker is one of the fastest risers up the draft boards in recent weeks, with many draftniks now expecting Fluker to join guard Chance Warmack as Alabama offensive linemen going in the first round.

More: Extended draft expertise Extended Cowboys coverage

Very few potential draft picks fit Dallas as well as Fluker. At 6'5 and 340 pounds, Fluker is a mauler who can dominate the point of attack in the run game and wall off the right side in pass protection.

Quarterback Tony Romo signed a record contract with $55 million guaranteed and he needs to be protected better. Last season, the Cowboys allowed 36 sacks. At right tackle, Doug Free was nothing more than average.

When you're paying $55 million in guaranteed money, you need better than average protection. If Fluker is available, it's a no-brainer for Dallas.

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Photographs by jamesbrandon, jdtornow, phlezk, flygraphix, mcdlttx, tomasland, and literalbarrage used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.