Mocking The Cowboys Draft: The Return Of The QBs

They're back! Quarterbacks are beginning to climb back into the top 10 draft spots in multiple mock drafts. Just two weeks ago we lamented how QBs were dropping like flies out of the top 10 in the mock drafts across the nation after the Senior Bowl. No more!

The big - and not so big - arms are back, and this could be good news for the Cowboys, who have the ninth pick in the draft. Not because the Cowboys are going to draft a QB any time soon, but because QBs in the top 10 could easily push one of the handful of true blue-chip prospects down to Dallas' slot.

Additionally, it might entice quarterback-hungry teams to attempt to trade up into the ninth spot, thus opening up all sorts of options for the Cowboys. Most of this week's mock drafts have Blaine Gabbert going to the Titans, some to the 49ers, almost none leave him out of the top 10.

We'll see who is the flavor of the week for the Cowboys pick as we survey the newest mock drafts after the break.

SB Nation (Brian Galliford), 2/7/2011: Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina.

"There are several directions Dallas could go with this pick, but if a potentially elite pass rusher like Quinn is available, he'd make a great investment. Quinn's upside is significantly higher than that of current starter Anthony Spencer."

Pro Football Weekly (Nolan Nawrocki): 2/8/2011: J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin.

"Dire need for five-technique brings Watt off board earlier than expected."

Drafttek.com, 2/9/2011: Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, Cal.

"The title of this CMD is "Dallas Does Defense!" - we're going to assume (or hope or pray) for the moment that Cuzzin Jerruh addresses the OL in F/A. Cameron Jordan was unblockable during Senior Bowl week and Big Rob Ryan was constantly whispering in Jason Garrett's ear. The Cowboys could potentially lose 2 or 3 DE's to F/A and they need more penetration from the position than the incumbents provided anyway if they intend to improve their pass defense. This is step 1 -- wait until you see what steps 2 and 3 entail!"

Weei.com (DJ Bean), 2/1/2011: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama

"Both Marcus Spears and Stephen Bowen (the latter of whom replaced the former when Spears, the 20th pick in the 2005 draft, went on IR with a strained calf) are headed for free agency, leaving Igor Olshanksy as the team’s lone starting end from a season ago."

Rotoworld (Evan Silva), 2/5/2011: Marcell Dareus, DE, Alabama

"A 6-foot-3, 306-pound bowling ball, Dareus left Alabama with 20 career tackles for loss and 11 sacks as essentially a one-year starter. While not a truly difference-making pass rusher, Dareus possesses rare quickness for a 3-4 end and can crash the pocket as a three-technique tackle on passing downs. Three of Dallas' top four defensive ends are free agents (Marcus Spears, Stephen Bowen, Jason Hatcher), so this is good value and fills a major need."

CBSSports.com (Chad Reuter), 2/7/2011: Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

"Improving the offensive line is of great importance if head coach Jason Garrett wants to keep QB Tony Romo healthy."

CBSsports.com (Rob Rang), 1/31/2011: Tyron Smith, OT, Southern California.

"In terms of the best available talent, this is a reach, if not a gamble on greatness. But the Cowboys failed to address the left tackle position sufficiently last year and Tony Romo paid the price for it. Smith's upside is obvious on tape and that fact could help him soar up charts if he performs well at the Combine. He's a more physical and aggressive blocker than Solder or Castonzo, which makes him a better fit for Dallas."

Draft Season (Nik Edlund), 2/7/2011: Nate Solder OT, Colorado.

"The Boys are in prime position to trade down. If they can’t find a suitor then they may as well address their biggest area of need and improve their offensive line with the Solder."

Foxsports (Peter Schrager), 2/9/2011: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

"All the fans I chatted with are focused on improving two things — the offensive line and the defensive backfield. To be certain, a host of second- and third-tier quarterbacks like David Garrard, Rex Grossman and Shaun Hill lit up the Cowboys in 2010.

Cornerback and safety are the most pressing needs on the roster, and I think Dallas goes with a defensive back over an offensive tackle with this pick. Though he didn’t rack up the interceptions in 2010, Amukamara lived up to the hype: He was an All-American, Big 12 defensive player of the year and Jim Thorpe Award finalist. He'd be a welcomed addition to Rob Ryan's unit."

Walter Football, 2/9/2011: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

"Jerry Jones recently said that he doesn't see the cornerback position as a problem area for his team. Either he's lying to mislead others, or he's unbelievably delusional.

I have to believe it's the former. There's some speculation that Terence Newman could be released this offseason. Newman, 33 in September, struggled last season and will be due $8 million in 2011. Corner help is desperately needed.

While Patrick Peterson is the best cornerback prospect to come along in a very long time, Prince Amukamara isn't too far behind him."

Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft overview (min. two rounds deep)