2012 NFL Mock Draft: Cornerback or Pass Rush for Dallas Cowboys?

Bleacher Report   2/4/12 8:30 AM

The as Cowboys are facing a conundrum that many teams face as we approach the NFL Draft.Do you fix your pass defense by increasing the pressure you put on quarterbacks or by increasing the level of talent in your secondary?Dallas could use help in both areas.Outside of DeMarcus Ware, who registered 19.5 sacks, the Cowboys generated very little pass rush in 2011-12. Anthony Spencer had six sacks, but he has yet to develop into the dominating opposite rusher that many thought he could be early on. Spencer is also a free agent this offseason and could be moving on.Jay Ratliff and Jason Hatcher each had their moments providing pressure, but that's about it for the Cowboys' pass rush in 2011. Depth is an issue. At some point, either in the draft or free agency, the Cowboys will have to make some kind of addition. Names like Courtney Upshaw, Melvin Ingram and Nick Perry could be available in the first round, and each would represent a certain degree of value both in need and on the draft board. The other half of the Cowboys' 23rd-ranked passing defense comes in the secondary, and there are problems abound here, too. Terence Newman was absolutely terrible in 2011, as Pro Football Focus ranked him near the very bottom of their cornerback grades. Newman is likely to be released to save money on the cap sometime this offseason.If the Cowboys do let Newman go, they'd be left on the cornerback depth chart with Mike Jenkins, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury, Orlando...