From all reports, the Pacman deal is going to happen.  Right now, it is only a matter of hammering out the details, but Pacman should be in a Cowboys uniform come the start of the 2008 season — at least, if he’s in any uniform at all.   There’s no guarantee that the commissioner won’t keep him suspended through part of 2008.

That said, the pickup does change the way the Cowboys can look at the draft by taking away the pressing need we had at cornerback.   With only two cornerbacks with any real experience on the roster, we would need to look at taking a cornerback early — teams need three solid corners.   And, while I still think it is important to grab a cornerback just in case Pacman doesn’t work out quite so well, the need isn’t as pressing with him on the roster.

This really clears the way for the Cowboys to do something they haven’t done much of lately: draft offense.

Since Emmitt Smith was chosen in 1990, there have only been two players chosen on offense with a first round pick:  Alvin Harper in 1991 and David David LaFleur  in 1997.     But, you can lay down a solid bet that 2008 will put an end to that streak.  With two first round picks, at least one of them, and possibly both will be used on offense.

Running back comes to mind first.  With the departure of Julius Jones, the Cowboys will be looking for someone to spell Marion Barber and possibly take  away his third down duties.  Many fans are looking for a trade to grab McFadden, but that would probably only happen if the Raiders pass on him.  (And I wouldn’t put it past Al Davis to do anything — he’s been mighty unpredictable lately).    There are also some other good runningbacks out there like Felix Jones and Chris Johnson.

The Cowboys might also look to wide receiver.  Glenn’s injuries last year is sure to have put as much worry into the Cowboys staff as it has put into Cowboys fans.  While Crayton was solid as a replacement, he couldn’t truly replace Glenn’s ability to stretch the field.

The Cowboys do have Isaiah Stanback, and Sam Hurd and Miles Austin both show some potential.   So, if you are counting, that gives the Cowboys 6 receivers and it is very doubtful they would go into next year with 7 on the roster, so a high round draft pick this year would end up leaving someone out.

That someone would likely be Austin or Stanback.  I can’t see them letting go Sam Hurd.  But it would mainly come down to a matter of competition: who’s going to lose their spot in training camp and preseason.

And, for the Cowboys, it certainly doesn’t do them any harm to upgrade at the position, so I wouldn’t be surprised at a first day or even first round pickup at wide receiver.

The nice thing about the draft is that, with Pacman, Dallas really only has one major pressing need: running back.  They certainly can’t go into the season without signing someone to spell Barber, and don’t be surprised if they end up grabbing two in the draft.

Other than that, they can look for talent.