(Editor's Note: The staff of DallasCowboys.com is currently previewing the depth chart at each position on the Cowboys' roster. The biggest remaining variable in determining that depth chart is the NFL Draft, which begins April 30. This series will identify five potential draft picks who could affect the depth chart at each position. Today, we continue with cornerbacks.)
IRVING, Texas –The Cowboys certainly have plenty of question marks at the cornerback position. In fact, some will say it's the most pressing need heading into the draft at the end of the month.
While Orlando Scandrick has emerged as one of the top cover corners in the league, Brandon Carr's contract situation remains up in the air. Morris Claiborne is a question mark on both the injury front and his ability to contribute as a reliable starter.
So the Cowboys will likely address the position once or maybe twice in the draft.
Here's a look at five players in the early, middle and late rounds:
Kevin Johnson, Wake Forest – He's considered by many as the second-best cornerback in the draft behind Michigan State's Trae Waynes, who should go in the Top 15 picks. Johnson is a smooth, lanky cornerback with great coverage skills but also has the awareness that will lead to big plays and interceptions. Being there at No. 27 is iffy as the Cowboys might have to move up a little to land him.
Marcus Peters, Washington – After Waynes, Peters might be the most talented of this year's cornerback class and even that might be debatable. Peters had some character concerns after being kicked off Washington's team last year. But ability-wise, he's more than worthy of a first-round pick. The Cowboys have done their homework on Peters, who had at least three interceptions in all three seasons for the Huskies, totaling 11 picks. If he's around at No. 27, Peters would offer great value for the pick.
Byron Jones, UConn – If he's drafted to the Cowboys, Jones immediately becomes one of the team's best pure athletes, if not the best. The NFL Combine phenom is a great example how amazing workouts alone can skyrocket a player's value. Jones set a combine record with a 12'3 broad jump and out-jumped all other defenders with a 44-inch vertical leap. His 4.4 time in the 40 at his Pro Day didn't hurt his stock at all, and neither does his ability to play both safety and corner. Jones is not only versatile but extremely athletic and could sneak his way into the first round.
Alex Carter, Stanford – A solid starter for the Cardinal, Carter could be a candidate for the Cowboys at No. 60 in the second round if they don't grab one in the first. He might even slide into the third as well. Carter is a physical corner who likes to jam receivers at the line and also shows great awareness skills to play different schemes. His speed isn't elite, which is one reason he's not considered a first-day pick but good enough to have his name called on Day 2.
Damian Swann, Georgia – Even if the Cowboys draft a corner in the first or second round, don't be surprise if they land a couple of corners. A late-round option would be Swann, who is much more physical than his 180-pound frame suggests. He started three years for Georgia who isn't afraid to mix it up. Should be a good special teams player right away.
