Dallas Cowboys Get Tyron Smith, Steal Carter In 2011 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys went after the big offensive tackle they wanted in USC's Tyron Smith, and got what many see is the steal of the 2011 NFL Draft in LB Bruce Carter from North Carolina. For fans who wanted the Cowboys to go after a quarterback (and let's face it what fan doesn't?), Tony Romo's job is intact, even as fans point to the "need to address the quarterback position."

This space holds that it's a scheme problem at passer, not a talent problem. But this blogger digresses; back to the subject of the Dallas Cowboys and The 2011 NFL Draft.

Much is known about USC's Tyron Smith, the 6-5 307 pound left tackle with a 29-inch vertical leap and a 4.6 40-yard-dash time, who's one of those "set and forget" offensive linemen who will play in the NFL for something like 10 years. Zennie62.com NFL Draft Expert Dr. Bill Chachkes, says "he's a hard worker, who's very motivated to give his best all the time. The issue is how well he pick up what will be his third system in three years. He was with Pete Carroll, then Lane Kiffin, both at USC, and now the Cowboys. Because he came out early, that's three systems in three years."

Here's Smith against Cal last year:



But the talk is about Bruce Carter. At 6-2, 241 pounds, Carter's in the mold of Oakland Raiders Linebacker Rolando McClain, but while two-inches smaller, is just as fast - but some question his hitting ability. As this video of North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech shows, while Carter's not one who clobbers people, he gets to the ball, and in a hurry:



Still, Cowboy fans will be waiting to see Carter lay the wood to a Washington Redskins player.

A Fast RB

In 2011 NFL Draft Rounds Three to Six, the Cowboys took Oklahoma RB DeMarco Murray, Missouri St. OT David Arkin, and Buffalo DB Josh Thomas, and East Carolina WR Dwayne Harris, the Cowboys addressed areas of depth concern, but no clear draft steals.

Of course, if DeMarco Murray lives up to his 1,214 yard 2010 effort, this blogger will have to erase that last sentence.