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As he continues his review of last week's NFL draft, Mel Kiper Jr. has a list of players taken in rounds 4 through 7 who he thinks could make an impact this season. One Dallas Cowboys pick was mentioned.

Dallas Cowboys

-Joseph Randle, RB, fifth round: Mel calls him the second-most talented running back on the Cowboys' roster after injury-prone starter DeMarco Murray. If that's not a recipe for touches ...

The way you feel about the Dallas Cowboys' 2013 draft seems to depend on the way you feel about how they handled the first round. Ashley Fox, feels they bungled it badly, and theorizes that they did so because Jerry Jones was distracted by his attendance at the opening of the George W. Bush Presidential Library earlier in the day.

Now, I understand that Jerry excels at making himself an easy target. And I like Ashley's work. But on this point, I couldn't disagree with her more strongly. The way the Cowboys handled the first round has all the hallmarks of a coherent plan. A distracted decision-maker would have stayed put and taken the highest player on the board at No. 18, even if he didn't think that player was worth such a high pick. What the Cowboys did made sense on a number of levels.

First of all, they trade down with the 49ers, getting the 31st pick of the first round and the 12th pick of the third in exchange for that No. 18 pick. The biggest criticism we've heard is that they should have been able to get more from the 49ers, but different draft-value charts say different things on that and it takes two sides to make a deal. If they didn't have a player they liked at 18 and they saw a chance to get two that they did, then there's nothing wrong with taking that deal.

The player they ended up taking at 31, Wisconsin center Travis Frederick, projects as both an immediate and long-term starter for the Cowboys at either center or one of the guard spots. The second criticism is that they reached for him -- that they could have had him in the second or maybe even the third round. But (a) no one knows that for sure and (b) the 31st pick is practically the second round anyway. It's not as though they took Frederick 10th overall (or even 18th, for that matter). The Cowboys absolutely, 100 percent, more than any team needed anything in this entire draft, needed to come out of the first round with a new starter on the offensive line. They did. And they got an extra third-round pick out of the deal and used it on Baylor wide receiver Terrance Williams, a new vertical threat for Tony Romo in the passing game.

PODCAST
Cowboys second-round draft pick Gavin Escobar joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his strengths as a tight end, the stress of the draft process and the thrill of working with Jason Witten and Tony Romo. Listen

Along the way, they added second-round tight end Gavin Escobar, who also offers the opportunity to expand their options in the passing game and represents the successor to Jason Witten down the road. With their original third-rounder, they added physical safety J.J. Wilcox, who could push for a starting spot this year. In the fourth they added a cornerback, B.W. Webb, deepening a position at which there's no such thing as too many bodies. In the fifth they took a running back, Joseph Randle, who didn't miss a game in college, to back up the injury-prone DeMarco Murray. And in the sixth they took project linebacker DeVonte Holloman.

They filled needs at good value in rounds two through six, and their second and third picks of the draft will help them add layers to their offense, offering Romo more options from play to play and game to game as his receiving threats become more numerous and varied. If it weren't for the weird way the first round went down, people would be hailing this as a fine draft for the Cowboys. And frankly, too many people are overreacting too strongly to the way the first round went down.

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Chuck Cooperstein, Matt Mosley and Glenn "Stretch" Smith discuss the Cowboys' draft picks and who was influencing Jerry Jones' decisions. Listen

This was a lousy draft class, people. A bad year. Very little, if any, top-level talent, and if you're picking 18th that puts you in a tough spot. Considering that, and the fact that they needed to get an offensive lineman in the first round, I think the Cowboys acquitted themselves rather coolly. I certainly don't think the way they operated their first round indicates distraction or the lack of a plan. Quite the contrary, in fact.

Fans might be happier today had they gone offensive line again in the second or third round, or if they'd found a defensive tackle early. They could have stayed put at 18 and taken Sharrif Floyd, and perhaps that would have been hailed as a coup, since Floyd had been projected to go much earlier. But this is the part I never get. All we hear going into the draft is how useless all of these projections are, and then while the draft is going on everybody wants to use them to critique the picks. There was some good reason Floyd fell all the way to 23, and Dallas was hardly the only team to pass on him.

If Frederick never starts a game, or turns out to be a bust, then obviously it'll be easy to look back and say the Cowboys bungled this. But in a bad draft year, why not take the players you like instead of the ones the mock-drafters told you to like? I think the Cowboys got five players who could contribute right away, and Frederick could start on their line for the next eight years. I honestly don't see what's to rip.

IRVING, Texas -- We've got some final thoughts on the NFL draft in our beat writers recap.

PODCAST
Cowboys second-round draft pick Gavin Escobar joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his strengths as a tight end, the stress of the draft process and the thrill of working with Jason Witten and Tony Romo. Listen

*The trade that shocked North Texas was prompted years ago when San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh was then the head coach at Stanford. Harbaugh tried to recruit safety Eric Reid out of a Louisiana high school. But Reid's father wanted him to attend LSU which he eventually did. So when it came time for Harbaugh to get Reid again, the trade was set in motion the morning of the draft. What prompted the Cowboys to make the deal occurred when Kenny Vaccaro was taken by New Orleans at No. 15. The Cowboys liked guard Justin Pugh, but had a higher grade on center Travis Frederick. The Cowboys also liked defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd, but he wasn't a fit in their 4-3 scheme because they wanted a better pass rusher. Reid was also available for the Cowboys, but Vaccaro had a higher grade. If Vaccaro was available the Cowboys would have taken him at No. 18. Instead, the Cowboys moved down to get a center with a second-round grade.

*The interesting thing about getting Baylor wide receiver Terrence Williams in the third round is how it impacts Dwayne Harris. Currently Harris is the No. 3 receiver and if Williams can emerge during the preseason maybe he gets more playing time. Harris became a reliable player late in the season and took over the No. 3 receiving duties from Kevin Ogletree. The Cowboys want competition at various spots and the receiver position will have that this summer. Cole Beasley, Danny Coale and Williams will put pressure on Harris to maintain his spot.

*Drafting linebacker J.J. Wilcox, cornerback B.W. Webb and outside linebacker DeVonte Holloman gives the Cowboys some prospective special teams candidates. It seems Wilcox is being groomed to become a special teams ace, held by safety Danny McCray, because of his tackling ability in college. Webb is a feisty player who isn't afraid to mix it up on man coverage and Holloman is a physical player as well.

*The Cowboys watched quarterbacks Matt Barkley, Ryan Nassib and Tyler Wilson go in the fourth round before selecting Webb. The Cowboys bypassed Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones. After the Cowboys selected Webb with the 114th pick of the fourth round, Pittsburgh selected Jones at No. 115. Several teams drafted quarterbacks in the middle rounds, starting with Philadelphia, which moved from No. 101 to No. 98 to get Barkley. Some in the Cowboys organization thought several quarterbacks, including Barkley would go higher in the draft, but there wasn't a belief the Cowboys needed one.

*After rushing for a team-high 897 yards in 2011, then averaging 4.1 yards per carry leading to 663 yards last season, there are concerns about starting running back DeMarco Murray. With good reason. He suffered a fractured ankle in 2011 costing him to miss the final few weeks of the season then he missed six games in 2012 with a sprained foot. The Cowboys were in the market for a running back and drafted Joseph Randle from Oklahoma State in the fifth round. It was noted by Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones that Randle isn't a special teams candidate but a legit No. 2 behind Murray and someone who can take over if he gets hurt again. The Cowboys view Lance Dunbar more of a change of pace back/special teams player than somebody who will can start. Drafting Randle has put Murray on notice he needs to stay healthy if not, his replacement is on the roster.

*Notes: The more you talk to people at Valley Ranch, the more you hear the expectations are high for DT Jay Ratliff now that he's healthy. ... Cowboys still don't have a blocking tight end or cleared up who will call the plays. ... I don't know about you but the Cowboys sure sounded defensive about their trade charts on Saturday. It was funny listening to Jerry Jones say trade charts are fluid. I can accept drafting Frederick, but you just want them to get a second-rounder over a third rounder.

IRVING, Texas -- When the Dallas Cowboys drafted Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle in the fifth round on Saturday afternoon, team officials felt they found a quality backup to starter DeMarco Murray.

More importantly, if Murray goes down with an injury, he missed six games last season with a foot injury, the Cowboys believe Randle would take over the starting role.

And that a special teams role, which normally goes to one of the backup running backs, wouldn't be a role for Randle.

"We pictured him as the second running back behind Murray," owner/general manager Jerry Jones said. "It's the third running back that you dress on game day that participates on special teams. You can make a big case in this day and time that your second running back is going to take snaps and be apart of what (Jason Garrett) described here; out of the backfield, blocking all the things we think he mirrors to Murray."

Added Garrett: "We also feel like he's a guy who can get bigger and stronger."

Randle has a thumb injury that will force him to wear a brace over his hand. He will be available for the rookie minicamp in two weeks but won't be able to catch passes because of the injury. Cowboys' officials say they don't believe the injury is serious enough for him to miss any offseason workouts or training camp.

The addition of Randle raises questions about the other backup running backs: Phillip Tanner and Lance Dunbar (Haltom City, Texas). The Cowboys have placed a higher value on Dunbar because of his ability to play special teams and become a change-of-pace back.

Tanner is similar to Randle and Murray and his roster spot is shaky.

"The NFL is a two-back system now, so guys need other guys to come in and you don’t want to drop the tempo off much, so I think we’ll work well together," Randle said of him and Murray. "I’m just going to come in and work hard and see where that gets me."

IRVING, Texas – Joseph Randle left Oklahoma State with a year of eligibility remaining and slid to the fifth round to the Cowboys.

He was more pleased to be selected by the Cowboys than disappointed that he was selected so late.

“I will use it as fuel to my fire and work harder and remember this day that all these teams passed up on me and stuff like that,” Randle said. “Right now’s not the time but definitely when I hit the weight room again I’m going to be hungry and determined to show my worth and value.”

The immediate value to the Cowboys is as a backup to DeMarco Murray. Randle was productive with 42 career touchdowns, 3,085 yards rushing and 917 receiving yards.

“Being versatile,” Randle said when asked for the best part of his game. “I do everything well, running blocking. I take pride in my blocking, take pride in being able to catch and pride in making tough yards and making people miss one on one. That’s just my game in a nutshell right there.”

Pick: Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle, No. 151 overall

Pros: A good north-and-south runner with above average speed who does a nice job eluding defenders. He also is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield and displayed an ability to block well in pass protection.

Cons: Had a fumbling problem early in his career but seemed to solve it in 2012. Randle doesn't have a strong lower body, something that needs work in the weight room.

Cowboy fit: The Cowboys have talked about finding a solid backup for DeMarco Murray because of some durability issues. Randle adds competition to the position and while the Cowboys like Lance Dunbar, it could mean the end for Philip Tanner. The Cowboys want their backup running backs to play special teams and it will be interesting to see if Randle can handle that aspect of the job.

Could have had: DE Stansly Maponga, TCU; TE Luke Wilson, Rice; DT Josh Boyd, Miss. St.; FB Zach Line, SMU.

IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys returned to the offensive side of the ball by taking Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle with their fifth-round selection.

Randle led the Big 12 in rushing last season with 1,417 yards on 274 carries and had 14 touchdowns.

The Cowboys filled a need with Randle as a backup to DeMarco Murray.

Entering the draft, the Cowboys had Phillip Tanner and Lance Tanner as Murray’s backup and the club has not expressed a desire to retain free agent Felix Jones. Murray has missed nine games in his first two seasons because of injuries.

Randle has a similar build to Murray and the Cowboys were in the market for an every-down back than a niche back because of Murray’s durability issues. Randle did not miss a game at Oklahoma State, starting the final 26 games.

Like Travis Frederick, Terrance Williams, J.J. Wilcox and B.W. Webb, Randle was a pre-draft visitor to Valley Ranch.

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Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett live from Kansas City to discuss Jerry Jones' attendance at the Bush Library on NFL draft day, what he expects the Chiefs to do with the No. 1 pick and tell a funny tale about Bill Clinton and Jerry Jones. Listen

Todd Archer ran some numbers, and his conclusion is that the Dallas Cowboys struggle with the draft. Here's some of his data:

Since 2007, the Cowboys have drafted 47 players and only 18 remain. That’s not good. After a quick perusal of the NFC East, it’s the worst percentage (38.3%) of any team in the division. From 2007-12, Philadelphia has 28 of 59 picks left (47.5%); Washington has 24 of 48 picks (50%) and the New York Giants have 24 of 46 picks left (52%).

...

In the last three years, which should be the core of a team, the Cowboys have 15 of 21 picks left. The Eagles are the worst with 23 of 33 picks. Washington is the best at 21 of 27 and the Giants have 16 of 22 picks remaining.

The point of entry for Todd's analysis was a discussion about whether they should have moved down in the 2011 draft, when they stayed put and took Tyron Smith at No. 9 and whether they were wise to move up in 2012, when they used their first-round pick and their second-round pick to draft Morris Claiborne. Todd thinks last year's move and 2011's non-move were mistakes. I agree, as I think most of you know, about last year. Because I think Smith will be a franchise left tackle, I don't hold the 2011 decision against them.

But what I see here is a clue about how the Cowboys play the top of the draft, and it's a discouraging one. It appears to me that Jerry Jones, who ultimately makes these decisions, falls in love with a player and does what he can to get him, the rest of the draft be damned. And a roster as thin with top-level talent as Dallas' has been for the last couple of years needs to make the second, third and fourth rounds more productive than the Cowboys usually have.

They love Claiborne as a keystone piece for the future, and that's fine. But had they held onto that second-round pick, they might have been able to come out of the first two rounds with, for example, Fletcher Cox and Peter Konz. (Yes, they'd have had to move up for Cox, but likely not with a second-rounder in the deal.) Two starting pieces instead of one. This is the approach Dallas needs to take this year -- finding a new starting offensive lineman in the first round and then looking for immediate contributors, on either line or at safety, in Rounds 2 and 3.

When they dealt away their second-round pick last year, a lot of Cowboys' fans said that was OK because they always mess up the second round anyway. But 2011's second-rounder was Bruce Carter and 2010's was Sean Lee. They also got DeMarco Murray in the third round in 2011. These are players on which they're attempting to build their future core, and it would be wise to keep in mind the value those picks (and those that follow them) have when things get hot and heavy tomorrow night and the temptation to grab a player they love overrides the value of the pick or picks needed to get him.

Remember, when we critique a draft in progress on this blog, we're not making predictions about how guys will play, because we can't and neither can anyone else. We're looking at the value of the picks and how they were used -- whether they could have waited until the fifth or sixth round for a guy they took in the fourth, for example. That's what you'll find here Thursday night through Saturday night, and we'll have a close eye on the Cowboys, of course, since this is a gigantic draft for them and they can't mess it up.

The Cowboys like starting running back DeMarco Murray, but he has had injury issues and there are questions about whether he can stay healthy over the long term.

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Randy Galloway, Matt Mosley and Glenn "Stretch" Smith discuss some of the players the Cowboys should be looking at in the upcoming NFL draft. Listen

It means the Cowboys could be in the market for a running back in the middle rounds of this weekend's NFL draft.

Montee Ball, Johnathan Franklin, Giovani Bernard and Mike Gillislee could be available in the middle part of the draft.

Currently, Lance Dunbar and Phillip Tanner are the backups to Murray. The Cowboys have praised Dunbar's work, but they still could be looking for more help in the backfield.

"There's a lot of things that can help our football team," Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said on San Antonio's KZDC-AM on Tuesday afternoon. "If you do look, unfortunately, at DeMarco's history, he had (health issues) at Oklahoma, though he was very productive. He's had (health issues) here. So obviously without Felix Jones in the fold right now, we don’t have that answer in terms of having a complementary back to DeMarco, so that will be something we will have our eyes on as well."

Murray missed six games last season because of a severe bruise on his left foot and finished with 663 rushing yards. The Cowboys' rushing attack finished No. 31 in the NFL last season, leading to the release of running backs coach Skip Peete and raising questions about the offensive line.

The Cowboys need to improve this area if they're going to take pressure off quarterback Tony Romo in 2013.

To help preview who might be on the Dallas Cowboys’ board for the NFL draft, ESPNDallas.com has identified five players at five key positions that we’d like to learn more about. Along those lines, we’ve asked former Cowboys assistant coach Glenn “Stretch” Smith – the official scout of Galloway & Company – to study tape of each player and give his thoughts.

No. 1 Running back: Andre Ellington

Height/weight: 5-foot-9, 199 pounds

School: Clemson

Why he’s on the radar: Ellington might not be the best running back in the draft, but he's a good fit for the Cowboys to back up DeMarco Murray. Ellington is elusive, not afraid of contact and produced solid numbers in college. He was one of four running backs to get 1,000 yards in the ACC last season. The Cowboys want their backup running backs to play special teams and that could be a negative for Ellington, who isn't that big. Ellington would be a nice selection to challenge Lance Dunbar as the No. 2 running back on the roster.

Projection: Third or fourth round

Stretch Truths: For his size, this back will attack the line of scrimmage and at the point of attack. ... He shows straight-line speed, but I do not see a top gear. ... Has vision and reads his blocks well. ... Flashes balance and body lean. ... He’s a tough kid who takes big hits, but he’s not a power-after-contact type back or very physical as a pass protector. ... Has some kick return ability.

The Cowboys started voluntary offseason workouts Monday at Valley Ranch.

Most players worked out prior to Monday or were rehabbing injuries.

Here's a primer:

Who runs the program? Mike Woicik, the Cowboys' strength and conditioning coach, has a program in place for every player that includes lifting, running and even eating (if necessary). Woicik, who has won Super Bowl rings with the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys, monitors every player's weight. There were numerous injuries last season -- including to safety Matt Johnson, who missed the entire season -- and you could blame training, bad luck or the players themselves. Miles Austin battled hamstring injuries, but you can't blame Woicik. Coach Jason Garrett said sometimes Austin needs to be protected from himself and must communicate with the strength and conditioning staff how his leg feels.

The media: We're not allowed at Valley Ranch today, so please don't ask how the workouts are going because reporters are banned from the facility. The next time reporters will be allowed at Valley Ranch is for the predraft news conference with owner/general manager Jerry Jones.

The injured: Among the players who were injured last season and will begin workouts: Chris Jones (knee), Orlando Scandrick (hand), Barry Church (Achilles), Sean Lee (toe), Bruce Carter (elbow), Caleb McSurdy (Achilles), Orie Lemon (hamstring), Dez Bryant (finger), Phil Costa (ankle), Ben Bass (ankle), Donavon Kemp (knee) and DeMarcus Ware (shoulder).

What does voluntary mean? Players technically aren't required to show up and participate in the offseason program. Mike Jenkins didn't arrive at Valley Ranch during the voluntary period last season as he recovered from shoulder surgery. Jenkins was irked by the Cowboys' offseason moves to sign cornerback Brandon Carr and draft Morris Claiborne. Jenkins eventually showed up for mandatory workouts so he wouldn't get fined. Austin also failed to show up at voluntary workouts a few years ago after he was franchised by the team. When several teammates -- including quarterback Tony Romo -- noted Austin's absence, the receiver showed up.

Who gets paid? Some NFL players have financial incentive to participate in voluntary offseason programs. Some of the Cowboys who get workout bonuses: Ware ($500,000), Bryant ($250,000), Jermey Parnell ($100,000), Carter ($50,000), DeMarco Murray ($25,000), Tyrone Crawford ($10,000), David Arkin ($20,000) and Dwayne Harris ($10,000). And then there are those who would be docked pay for failing to complete the program: Mackenzy Bernadeau ($250,000), Jason Hatcher ($250,000) and Lawrence Vickers ($100,000).

Mandatory workouts: The Cowboys' first mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 11-13.

To help preview who might be on the Dallas Cowboys’ board for the NFL draft, ESPNDallas.com has identified five players at five key positions that we’d like to learn more about. Along those lines, we’ve asked former Cowboys assistant coach Glenn “Stretch” Smith – the official scout of Galloway & Company – to study tape of each player and give his thoughts.

No. 2 running back: Joseph Randle

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 204 pounds

School: Oklahoma State

Why he’s on the radar: With durability issues regarding starter DeMarco Murray, the Cowboys are seeking quality backups in case of injury. Randle isn't the fastest running back in the draft -- posting 40 times of 4.54, 4.60 and 4.63 -- but he's a quality runner and led the Big 12 with 1,417 rushing yards last season. Randle (14 touchdowns in 2012) is a physical runner and can catch passes out of the backfield, making him an option on passing downs.

Projection: Second or third round

Stretch Truths: Is a straight-line back who runs upright and does not show a top-end gear. … Has good hands and runs good backfield routes. … Has adequate punch and pop as a pass blocker. … Because of his upright style, he needs to be in a zone scheme. … Overall opinion: I don't see him as a tough north/south back.

Injuries are part of the NFL. But in 2012 the Cowboys dealt with severe injuries to the defense that caused them to mix and match for the bulk of the season.

Moving forward we look at five players who need to remain healthy for the entire season to ensure success in 2013.

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1. DeMarcus Ware. His talent and desire is unquestioned. But last year health was an issue. He played the last few weeks of the season with one arm and underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason that's going to keep him out of the bulk of the offseason programs. Ware also had elbow problems that forced him to wear a brace. He's moving from outside linebacker to defensive end and is going to need the practice reps in training camp to familiarize himself with the switch. The Cowboys need a healthy Ware to get the new 4-3 scheme moving.

2. Jay Ratliff. Ratliff played just six games before finally undergoing sports hernia surgery late in the season. It was a combustible offseason for Ratliff, whose roster status was questioned because of his DWI arrest. His place with the team is secure, but he needs to stay on the field. With the move to a 4-3, defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin needs Ratliff to become that defensive tackle who can pressure the quarterback on three downs. Ratliff's production has slipped the last few years and a position switch might give him new life.

3. DeMarco Murray. Durability was a concern when he came out of Oklahoma and it's still an issue as a professional. Murray missed six games with a foot injury and the running game suffered in his absence. The Cowboys' front office has talked about finding a suitable backup in the draft, but are there underlining themes here about finding his replacement. Murray is a solid running back, but will his health raise issues about his long-term future?

4. Barry Church. He played just three games before tearing his Achilles tendon. Church won the safety position in training camp last season and the Cowboys like his cover and tackling skills. However, there is some concern about how he'll play once he returns from the injury. Church is on target to practice with the rest of the team in the offseason workouts, but once the games start will he be effective?

5. Sean Lee. Lee plays hurt, but that's the problem. He plays hurt and he misses games. He's yet to play a full 16 games and the Cowboys need him to become the leader of the linebackers as they move to a 4-3. The same can be said of Bruce Carter, who also missed games because of injuries last season, but Lee is one of the leading tacklers and his presence on the field is important.

Todd Archer wrote a compelling column the other day about the pressure to win being on GM Jerry Jones.

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Fitzsimmons & Durrett discuss Tony Romo's contract extension and what it says about Jerry Jones. Listen

Archer writes: "Jones has to do more for Romo besides just writing some handsome checks. Jones has to get better players around Romo, and not just at the sexy positions."

The pieces are here.

The pressure shouldn't be on Jones, it should be on Romo.

Romo has an elite tight end in Jason Witten, two standout wide receivers in Dez Bryant and Miles Austin. He has a rising running back in DeMarco Murray and a young talented left tackle in Tyron Smith.

You could say the rest of the offensive line struggled at times last season, but it's strange how the offensive line wasn't an issue when Romo went on a seven-game stretch where he threw 16 touchdowns and just three interceptions and his team went 5-2 to remain in the playoff picture. Romo was sacked an ungodly 20 times during those seven games.

But all sacks can't be placed on the offensive line, much like all interceptions can't be placed on the quarterback. Can Romo throw the ball away sometimes? Anytime?

On defense, nobody questions the elite status of DeMarcus Ware and the talented young players in Sean Lee, Bruce Carter and Morris Claiborne. Brandon Carr, Jason Hatcher, Anthony Spencer and Jay Ratliff are solid playmakers.

Kicker Dan Bailey is solid.

The pieces are in place.

The Cowboys have the No. 18 overall pick in the draft and should find a starter who will make an impact.

What Romo's contract has done is raise the stakes even higher. Yes, the Cowboys want Romo to deliver a championship before he signed his new contract last week. But the Cowboys could have moved on without Romo and still cleared out salary cap space without restructuring his deal. The free-agency market for the Cowboys was going to be tight regardless of whether the Cowboys lowered Romo's salary cap figures.

By giving Romo this massive contract, the Cowboys told the NFL, "we expect a championship NOW."

At some point, the Cowboys should have drafted a quarterback for the future. They didn't, so now they're stuck and you can blame Jones for that.

But you can't blame Jones for providing security for his quarterback, which is the right thing to do. And don't blame Jones if his quarterback fails to bring a championship to North Texas.

That's on Romo.

To help preview who might be on the Dallas Cowboys’ board for the NFL draft, ESPNDallas.com has identified five players at five key positions that we’d like to learn more about. Along those lines, we’ve asked former Cowboys assistant coach Glenn “Stretch” Smith – the official scout of Galloway & Company – to study tape of each player and give his thoughts.

No. 3 running back: Giovani Bernard

Height/weight: 5-foot-10, 205 pounds

School: North Carolina

Why he’s on the radar: The Cowboys have discussed the need to find durable backs to improve at this position. But Bernard has health issues, having torn his ACL in 2010, as well as missing two games last season. When healthy, Bernard has been a productive back, scoring 25 career touchdowns. He's played in two different types of offenses -- pro style and spread -- and could be a physical back to provide help for DeMarco Murray. Lance Dunbar will return as an off-tackle runner, but getting a punisher such as Bernard might prove helpful.

Projection: Second or third round

Stretch Truths: Despite his lack of size, I like this kid. ... Can also return kicks. ... Runs with toughness between the tackles, and he has some short area quickness to make good inside cuts. ... Good vision on draws and screens, and also in the open field as a return guy. ... Question is his health after he tore his ACL in his right knee in 2010. ... Not a physical blocker at the point of attack. ... He likes to cut too much, but this kid has some upside.