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NFP Draft analysis: NFC East

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Dallas Cowboys The offensive line play has been the weakness of the Dallas offense for the last few years. Marc Colombo is tough and gritty, but injuries have robbed him of mobility, so an upgrade was imperative. With their first pick, the Cowboys took Tyron Smith from USC. Many "draftniks" say he lacks instincts; I have seen five tapes from the 2010 season and that was never apparent. He was by far the best tackle in the draft and has the traits to play either the left or right side. In 2009, I thought Bruce Carter had the tools to be a first-round pick but he just didn’t show up that much on 2010 tape. Still, he is very athletic and has good instincts. If he reverts back to his play in 2009 the Cowboys found themselves a good player. I know DeMarco Murray tests out to be a top athlete, but you don’t see that on tape. He is not very creative and I question how tough he is. David Arkin is a tough, strong and physical small-college offensive lineman. He can do for Dallas what Jahri Evans did for New Orleans. I have seen Josh Thomas play a few times and though he is athletic, he doesn’t make a lot of plays. He lacks top instincts and ball skills. To me he is more a developmental type. Receiver Dwayne Harris does not have the natural physical tools that some of the receivers drafted before him have, but he is a sure-handed playmaker who knows how to get open. Shaun Chapas is similar to last year’s free agent Chris Gronkowski, but he doesn’t have Gronkowski’s athletic ability. It will be an interesting camp battle for the Cowboys fullback spot.