Cowboys News & Notes: Will Cowboys Auction Off The No. 4 pick?

The top 7 might flip on the Cowboys - David Fucillo, Niners Nation
Fucillo reviews a lengthy mock draft database, and concludes that everything points to things swinging on the Dallas Cowboys pick at No. 7.

That Cowboys pick could be what flips the early portion of the draft on its head. If they go quarterback, that potentially removes the second quarterback off the board. If they do not go quarterback, it opens the door even more to trades into the fifth, sixth, or seventh pick. If one of the two top quarterbacks does not go to the Cowboys, do they slip, or does someone move up?

Will Cowboys auction off the No. 4 pick? - Bob Sturm, SportsDay
In a recent chat, Sturm wonders what would happen if the if no QB is taken with the first three picks.

What if no QB goes at #4 and you have the ability to hold an auction to get out of there, drop several spots, and gain either an additional 2nd or perhaps even an additional 1st? Teams that need QBs (besides Cleveland and Dallas) include San Francisco, Philaldephia, St Louis, Houston - and perhaps even teams like the Jets and Bills. If you are going to consider all of your options, then this has to be included.

There are somewhere between 6-8 QBs the Cowboys are said to be interested in and that obviously means they see something beyond the "Big 3". This is likely a good time to remind the Cowboys that almost no QBs are starting right now in the NFL who were not taken in the 1st round - 10 last year on opening day out of 32 - but if they think a QB prospect in Round 3 is a better investment when Tony Romo is upright, then perhaps trading back from #4 for someone looking to get in front of the 49ers is a worthy idea.

Is the No. 4 pick for sale? Pat Kirwan, Real Football Network
In a recent mock draft Pat Kirwan had the Cowboys picking Joey Bosa, but wondered whether the spot was for sale

The Cowboys swear they are not taking a QB in this spot, and I wonder if what they are really saying is, "The spot is for sale." If they stay here and stay true to their word, Bosa looks like a good fit.

Robert Nkemdiche's draft range: Raiders, Cowboys among fits - Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Nkemdiche is one of the most talented players in this entire draft class, but work-ethic/character concerns could diminish his stock. Bucky Brooks examines the freakish specimen's draft range and explains why he would be a good fit in Dallas at the top of the second round.

The Cowboys also would appear to be a great fit, with Jerry Jones' gambling ways and the presence of Rod Marinelli on his staff. The team not only took chances on Greg Hardy and Randy Gregory, when others appeared to deem those ultra-talented players as untouchable, but Marinelli has helped a number of underachievers maximize their potential under his direction. Considering Nkemdiche's natural fit as a 3-technique in Marinelli's scheme, a move for the Rebels' standout could be in the draft-day plans for the Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys: Cowboys host Florida safety for private workout | SportsDay
Keanu Neal may be ranked in the 200s on some big boards, but his star is rising fast, and the Cowboys worked him out.

The Cowboys worked out Florida safety Keanu Neal this week. He could be a first-round pick as his stock is rising.

— Charean Williams (@NFLCharean) March 25, 2016

Despite declining numbers, why I think Alfred Morris could have bounce-back season - Jon Machota, SportsDay
The knock on Morris is that his numbers have declined every year since his rookie season. No worries, says Machota.

He is 27, meaning he should still be in the prime of his career. He'll also be running behind a better offensive line. Morris made it to the second week of free agency without any visits, clearly many believe his best games are behind him. I'm not sure. After seeing what Darren McFadden did last year, I think Morris could have a bounce-back year if given enough opportunities. But his addition shouldn't impact drafting a running back. The Cowboys need to get younger at the position and I think they will at some point between Rounds 2-5.

Why Brandon Carr should refuse to take a pay cut | Jon Machota, SportsDay
In a recent chat, Machota explained why Carr may not take a pay cut after all.

If I'm Brandon Carr, I don't think I take a pay cut at this point. If they want to take some money off this season by extending me another year or two, I'd listen. But I'm not just taking a pay cut for 2016. Say what you want about lack of INTs, but this team needs corners and he's started every game for the Cowboys since he signed, and he's played more snaps than anyone else. His INT and PBU numbers aren't great but there's something to be said for being available and going about your business the right way.

What setbacks? Jerry Jones says Cowboys are better than last season - Clarence Hill, The Star-Telegram
Jerry Jones is happy with what the Cowboys have done in free agency, and is putting lot of stock in next month’s draft.

"We’re addressing specific areas that we need — I’m hesitant to use depth, we just need contributions. We’re certainly going to play a lot of guys, and where we’ve brought some of these guys in — whether it be at running back, whether it be defensive line — we need some numbers. And we’re getting them."

Jones said they have done enough in free agency to pick the best available player with the fourth overall selection.That answer was followed up by this caveat: Jones said the Cowboys might lean toward position preference over best player.

"Those position preferences are probably areas of quarterback, pressure player and corner," Jones said. "You might go a position preference over one that’s higher on the board."

"I don’t think we have to draft a cornerback. I don’t think we have to draft a pressure player. The reason you don’t have to draft a pressure player early is because of depth. There is depth in the defensive line. Now the question is whether there is anybody there that is the pressure player without issues."