Play Your Position II: Cowboys Draft Picks And Depth Charts (Defense)

Earlier we took a look at the impact the draft had on the offensive depth chart. Although it was neglected save for two picks, Rob Ryan's defense was molded some for the first time. Let's take a look at the defensive positions and what we can expect to see.

DL - Extremely against the grain for the Cowboys not to take a lineman in what was regarded as a ridiculously deep d-lneman draft. Jay Ratliff remains the key to the line, with Stephen Bowen expected to take one of the defensive end positions. Sean Lissemore is in the mix, but free agency will have to be dabbled in to fill out this depth chart.

LB - Rob Ryan's scheme seems to do a lot of diverse things from the linebacker position, specifically the inside backers. Adding the talent of Bruce Carter to Sean Lee and Bradie James is insurance for an aging Keith Brooking. Leon Williams will see camp competition. The outside, for now, remains the same with the league's best pass rusher DeMarcus Ware, plus Anthony Spencer, Victor Butler and Brandon Williams.

Follow the jump for the secondary.

CB: The sure-tackling Josh Thomas is the new competition for the slot corner. Will the Cowboys make a move in free agency? Several reports throughout the draft attached Dallas to the Nnamdi sweepstakes, although every major free agent is associated with Dallas. Nothing in the draft signaled a change in Terence Newman's status. Alan Ball back to cornerback? To quote Jay-Z, we don't believe you, you need more people.

S: Hello free agency. Dallas entered the draft without a starting safety and leaves in the exact same position. Akwasi-Owusu-Ansah and Barry Church currently sit atop the depth charts and you know that is changing. Danny McCray is also in the mix. Expect calls to go out to Eric Weddle, Quinton Mikell, Michael Huff and Brodney Pool as soon as legally allowed.