When it comes to the draft, the Dallas Cowboys are so predictable. I cannot remember the last time they made a draft-day splash or moved up  more than a couple picks to get a player (2007's move from 36 to 26 for Anthony Spencer doesn't count- they were originally at 23 and traded down to 36.) Jerry Jones, for whatever reason, is more conservative than the Republican Party when it comes to the draft, and practically as mindless to boot.

He can't afford to be that way this year, not with the needs this team has if they want to reach the Super Bowl. Dallas needs an offensive tackle, a free safety, an inside linebacker, another wide receiver and probably another 3-4 defensive end and backup nose tackle. The first two needs are imperative because, whoever they are, they are likely going to start in Week 1. So let's look at what's available and where Dallas should go with it.

I don't know about you, but I don't feel comfortable entrusting Doug Free with my $66 million quarterback's life and blind side. The Cowboys have got to find themselves an offensive tackle, and early, because the well runs dry after Vladimir Ducasse sometime in Round 2. One idea being kicked around by Peter King has Baltimore's Jared Gaither available for the 59th overall pick. If that's true, JUMP ON IT JERRY!!!!!!!! My God, he's 6'8", 24 years old, has started 50+ games already in his career. That's better than anything Jones could find in Round 1 (Bruce Campbell and Charles Brown might be available at 27), let alone Round 2. 

In my second mock draft, before the Brandon Marshall trade to Miami, I had Dallas executing a deal with Houston to move up to number 20 to select wide receiver Dez Bryant, while Houston selected running back Ryan Matthews at number 27. I just don't see Dallas having the ammunition (or the guts) to move up to 12 (Miami, which would love Patrick Crayton or Marion Barber) to select someone like UT's Earl Thomas to play safety, though I would if I could. Couple that with the Gaither trade and you've filled your two biggest holes and can go for best available player after that.