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IRVING, Texas -- Of the cornerbacks on the Cowboys roster, Mike Jenkins isn't attending offseason workouts and first-round pick Morris Claiborne can't practice because of his recovery from wrist surgery. And then there's Orlando Scandrick and Brandon Carr.

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Carr is the newly signed free agent. Scandrick is the slot corner who is working out daily at Valley Ranch and has watched a massive change take place at the position.

Gone are veterans Terence Newman and Frank Walker along with Alan Ball, who switched between corner and safety the past two seasons. The Cowboys also have a new secondary coach in Jerome Henderson.

"I mean, it was a lot," Scandrick said of the changes. "They released Terence, signed Brandon, obviously he's a great player and [they] drafted another in the top 10. It was an area where we didn't perform up to quota and that needed improvement. So we went out and did it. Hopefully if we play up to our ability, we'll have one of the best groups in the National Football League."

In 2011, the Cowboys allowed the eighth-most passes of 20 or more yards at 57. The league average was 52. When the defense gave up 300 yards to a quarterback, the team went 0-3 -- 11 NFL teams failed to win a game when that happened. The Cowboys allowed 19 plays in which opposing receivers went at least 21 or more yards, tied for second-most in the league. The team's 15 interceptions tied for 17th.

The Cowboys needed to improve the secondary in the offseason -- specifically the cornerback position -- but Scandrick didn't take the offseason moves as a personal slight.

"I don't take anything personal," he said. "This is a job and I'm here to do a job and I'm ready to compete and get better and focus on what I can do help the team get better."

With the changes made this offseason, the popular theory is Claiborne and Carr will start, with Jenkins becoming the No. 3 corner and Scandrick fitting in on passing downs.

In the past two seasons, Scandrick has gone back and forth between slot and outside cornerback. Today's NFL is more of a passing league, and you can almost never have enough corners on the field.

"This is year No. 5 for me here and I try not to think about that," Scandrick said of being mainly described as a slot corner. "This has become a passing league and when you're on a good football team, you're playing with a lot of leads, so teams are going to try and pass to get back in the game. It's not technically a starter, but it's not technically a reserve; it's [an] in-between thing. I kind of look at it as the glass half-full instead of half-empty."

IRVING, Texas -- It seems ages ago -- how about two years ago? -- that wide receiver Dez Bryant burst onto the Cowboys universe.

Bryant enters his third season in 2012. He was asked after the second day of organized team activities Wednesday whether he feels like a veteran.

"In some ways, it depends on what I'm doing," he said. "I help out the guys when they need it. I show what I know."

Bryant is still working on running routes, commanding the playbook, understanding the NFL way and becoming a dominant force in the passing game.

The Cowboys still like Bryant as an outside receiver and won't move him into the slot as much as they do Miles Austin. But that's OK because Bryant, when he gets the ball, is dangerous.

Last season, Bryant finished second on the team in catches (63), yards (928) and touchdowns (9) to tight end Jason Witten. He missed one game with a thigh injury, had a handful of games in which he went without a catch in the second half and he didn't have a 100-yard game -- he still has only one.

"I feel like every year was just a learning experience," Bryant said. "I got better from [Year 1 to Year 2]. I hadn't played this year yet, but I feel much better and I'm confident in what I'm doing. When Coach calls out a play, I'm starting to already have the play before he already call it out. I'm getting better."

IRVING, Texas -- Dallas Cowboys first-round pick Morris Claiborne, who is recovering from left wrist surgery to repair ligament damage, probably won't practice with the team until training camp in late July.

Rookies, injured players, quarterbacks and wide receivers will practice at Valley Ranch for a few days before the team leaves for training camp in Oxnard, Calif., in late July.

Claiborne, who is wearing a brace during organized team activities, had hoped to return for the mandatory minicamp tentatively scheduled for June 12, but he said that's doubtful.

"I don't like it, but I know it's what's best for me in the long run and what's best for the team," Claiborne said Wednesday afternoon following the second day of OTAs. "I'm not trying to rush it. I'm just going to take my time and do what the trainers have me doing in the meantime."

Claiborne will wear a brace for two more weeks, then undergo therapy and if he gets cleared by team doctors, should be ready to practice in late July.

"You love to have him out here now," secondary coach Jerome Henderson said. "He's missing valuable reps. He's doing a good job staying in it mentally and standing behind a guy and having good questions. There is no way you can make up for the time you missed, it's tough."

The Dallas Cowboys begin three weeks of organized team activities today at Valley Ranch. It's the first time the entire team will be available to the Cowboys coaches on the field since the 2011 season ended.

We tell you what's going on.

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Jenkins won't be here: Cornerback Mike Jenkins will not attend the three days of organized team activities. Yes, the OTAs are voluntary, but most, if not all, the players are expected to show up for the three-day teaching sessions. Jenkins, who is seeking a trade from the Cowboys, is irked somewhat by what's going on at the cornerback position. Brandon Carr and Morris Claiborne are the projected starters at corner, with Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick battling for the No. 3 cornerback position. Most of the people that matter at Valley Ranch have praised Jenkins' play last season, when he was tied for the team lead with 10 pass breakups while playing through shoulder, neck and knee issues. Without attending the sessions, it will be difficult to know far Jenkins has progressed from offseason shoulder surgery. Jenkins has attended only a handful of voluntary workouts at Valley Ranch.

Rookies will be here, too: If a rookie is not here, it's because school is still in session. One rookie who will attend the sessions but not participate is first-round pick Morris Claiborne. Claiborne is still recovering from left wrist surgery. He got three pins taken out recently and will wear a soft cast. He said he wants to be ready for the veteran minicamp, but it's doubtful if the team will allow that. Expect Claiborne to get a majority of practice reps when training camp starts in late July.

Who is injured? Let's see, Jenkins and Claiborne won't get any work in. DeMarco Murray (ankle) said he's 100 percent and should be a full participant in the sessions, though it wouldn't surprise any if he was limited. Bill Nagy (ankle), Raymond Radway (leg), Barry Church (shoulder), and Phillip Tanner (hamstring) finished the season on injured reserve and will get a chance to work out fully. Newly-signed guard Mackenzy Bernadeau (hip) will not be available to work out because of his recent surgery. Bernadeau won't be around until the second week of training camp. Also, fourth-round pick Kyle Wilber (finger) will not be around due to his surgery. He should be ready for training camp.

No media access until Wednesday: The media has access only one day, Wednesday, so please don't ask how certain players are doing today because we won't know. The media will speak with certain players and coaches once a week for the next three weeks during OTAs.

Notes: There were no OTAs last year because of the lockout and defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said that led to rushed teachings of his defensive scheme once the players were allowed to attend training camp. With OTAs and minicamps, Ryan can take a more measured approach to teaching his 3-4 scheme. ... Much has been made about leadership this offseason. It will be interesting to see who is the most vocal on the practice fields among the players. ... With Jenkins and Claiborne out, reps at corner will start with Carr and Scandrick.

Free agent safety Deon Grant told Sirius/XM that the New York Giants, Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys are interested in his services.

Multiple sources have said the Cowboys are not interested in Grant.

Last season, the Giants credited Grant with 58 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two quarterback hits and six pass breakups.

Grant, 33, plays free safety and with the addition of Brodney Pool in free agency to pair up with Gerald Sensabaugh, it doesn't make sense for the Cowboys to sign him.

Also, the Cowboys used a fourth-round pick on safety Matt Johnson from Eastern Washington.

If anything, the Cowboys are trying to get younger in the secondary, as evident by the team moving up to draft cornerback Morris Claiborne and signing cornerback Brandon Carr in free agency.

When quarterback Jon Kitna was hanging around Valley Ranch he talked about what he would do when he retired: Go back to high school.

The Seattle Times' Danny O'Neil writes a good story about Kitna going back to Tacoma, Wash., and teaching at his old high school, Abraham Lincoln.

Here's the story.

Kitna retired following the season when his back just couldn't respond for him anymore. The Cowboys placed Kitna on injured reserve Dec. 14. He finished his career with 29,677 yards and 169 touchdowns and 165 interceptions.

He played his last game Nov. 13 versus Buffalo, when he took a knee for the final two snaps. Kitna threw the last touchdown of his career to Miles Austin Sept. 18 at San Francisco, for five-yards. Kitna replaced an injured Tony Romo (ribs), who later returned.

Guard Mackenzy Bernadeau underwent hip surgery over the weekend and will be out for as long as 12 weeks. He will most likely miss the entire offseason of work at Valley Ranch, including the veteran minicamp in June.

He could even miss the first week of training camp and return in August.

You can take this as a major blow to a team that just signed Bernadeau to a four-year, $11 million deal in free agency. Or it can be seen as a chance for other players to get some reps with the first-team offense.

The Cowboys have depth in the interior of the line with David Arkin, Bill Nagy, Kevin Kowalski and Ronald Leary.

Arkin wasn't active for any games last season as a rookie, getting a redshirt if you will. Nagy started three games before his season ended with a broken ankle.

The coaches like Kowalski's toughness and his ability to play center. Leary can play both guard spots and, despite a chronic knee problem, had a mid-round draft grade on some NFL teams' boards.

Of course, the Cowboys have Nate Livings, whom they signed in free agency along with Bernadeau. Livings said he can play left and right guard, which is a positive thing for a team that wants versatility with its linemen.

While yes, Bernandeau's loss should concern you a little, there are others waiting to get some work over the summer and the early stages of training camp. That can help with the overall development of the team.

And to say Bernadeau's injury could lead to more problems is unfair. He was listed just once on the injury report last season with Carolina, and that was in Week 1.

Bernadeau should be ready to go at some point in 2012. Until that time, there is depth on the roster, which is good.

I've enjoyed reading the recent comments from the fans regarding Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo. The comments are based on a column written by KC Joyner, an NFL Insider for ESPN, who says Romo is a top-5 quarterback.

I agree. Statistically, Romo is.

Behind the stats, Romo plays tough, leads by example and does win games. Regular-season games.

At this stage of Romo's career, he needs to push his team to bigger things.

Romo has two years left on his contract and there's a belief the Cowboys will extend him for more years. However, Romo has to do something: win in the postseason.

He's got one playoff win, beating the Philadelphia Eagles in 2009.

Romo has to do more. Much more.

If Romo wants to be considered an elite quarterback -- like Eli Manning, Tom Brady, a healthy Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger and Aaron Rodgers -- he must push his team toward a deep playoff run.

"It's just about winning," Romo said late last month. "There is no discussion to be had for anybody. There is probably one guy who has ever played the position who didn’t win a Super Bowl who is in the discussion for the greatest quarterbacks and that’s Dan Marino. There are not a lot of them that get thrown around. You know that. It’s the same thing as winning majors in golf. We know what matters as a quarterback. We know what matters."

Romo doesn't get enough credit from the fans and maybe some in the media for what he's done for the Cowboys. He stabilized a position that was hurting the franchise. No quarterback is perfect, just ask the fans of the Baltimore Ravens who want to run Joe Flacco out of town.

Through 77 career starts, Romo is 47-30. Troy Aikman was 45-32 after 77 games and Roger Staubach was 59-18. Brady was 58-19 and Roethlisberger 55-22.

Did Romo cost the Cowboys some games last year? Of course. The debacles against the New York Jets and Detroit Lions come to mind very quickly.

If anything, Romo has to make those around him better.

If Dez Bryant doesn't know the plays (we believe he does), but there's this perception he doesn't, then Romo needs to get on him. Romo said once he doesn't believe in publicly scolding guys, especially on the sideline, that's fine.

Behind closed doors is where he does his best work.

The Cowboys need Romo now more than ever. The defense is getting better, thanks to what Jerry Jones and the front office did in the draft and free agency. It seems the offense really didn't need much tweaking other than the interior of the offensive line.

Upgrades at the guard spots and switching the tackles should improve the offensive line this season. The core group at running back and wide receiver remain the same.

So does the quarterback.

With that in mind, it's time for Romo to get his team into the postseason. And once he gets there, win more than one playoff game. That should be the only stat that should mean something now.

During a podcast with NFL Network's Rich Eisen scheduled to air Thursday, The Triplets -- Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin -- talked about the 20th anniversary of the 1992 Super Bowl title, the first for Jerry Jones, and various other subjects.

Smith, the Hall of Famer and NFL's career leading rusher with 18,355 yards, likes the Cowboys' running backs but made some interesting comments about backup Felix Jones.

"And then when you look at the running back corps, they have two good guys – very good guys – and either one of them can shoulder the load and shoulder the burden at any point in time," Smith said. "We need Felix Jones to step up because we know DeMarco Murray can make it happen. We need Felix to step up a little bit – that’s a true statement."

Now, let's repeat, Smith said the Cowboys, "have two good guys, very good guys" as running backs. Yet his comments about Jones are worth looking into.

When you look back on that 2008 draft, we can think about at least five running backs selected after Jones who have produced better numbers. Jones has rushed for 2,326 yards on 458 carries. He's got only eight rushing touchdowns. By the way the five backs we thought about were Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson, Matt Forte, Ray Rice and Jamaal Charles. When the Cowboys drafted Jones, it was mainly to back up Marion Barber.

But do you really waste a first-round pick on a backup?

Jones is a terrific running back, someone who can make defenders miss in space. He doesn't have the speed of, say, Johnson, but he's a running back who is hard to chase down at times.

The Cowboys have always described Jones as a complementary back and with good reason. He backed up Barber since he came into the NFL and when given the chance to become the full-time starter last season, he lost the gig to DeMarco Murray due to injury.

Jones has played 16 games in a season only once in his career.

Yes, running back is a tough position and few teams go with just one back, but Jones' durability is something that has been an issue for him throughout his career.

And as he enters the final year of his contract, you begin to wonder if he'll get a second deal with the Cowboys.

Recently the Dallas Cowboys brass has come under fire from the media and fans regarding the defense.

Sure, the defense finished 14th overall and allowed 64 plays of 20 or more yards. Oh yeah, the defense finished 23rd in the league against the pass, allowing 244.1 yards per game.

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But you forgot 2010?

The Cowboys allowed a franchise record 436 points. That defense, led by Wade Phillips and eventually by Paul Pasqualoni, after Phillips' firing, finished 23rd in total defense, allowing 351.8 yards per game.

That same defense had 20 interceptions, five more than the 2011 bunch that was supposedly better.

You can interpret the stats how you want, but it's interesting the Cowboys gave up just 89 fewer points last year than 2010, which some would say was one of the worst defensive seasons in Cowboys history.

The upgrades to the roster -- drafting Morris Claiborne in the first round, signing Brandon Carr, Brodney Pool and Dan Connor in free agency -- should help the defense.

Rob Ryan is among the many at Valley Ranch who believe the defense will be better in 2012 thanks to the roster additions and a full offseason where the Cowboys defensive coordinator can implement his scheme at a measured pace. In 2011, the lockout forced Ryan to rush the teachings of his defensive system once training camp began.

The Cowboys were a bad defense overall in 2010 and you could also say it was bad in 2011. The moves the Cowboys made, whether it was releasing veterans such as Terence Newman or not re-signing Bradie James and Keith Brooking, are a sign youth and upgraded talent is important right now.

Doug Free has turned from rookie to the Cowboys offensive line's senior member in just a few years.

Free will start at right tackle when the Cowboys open the season at the New York Giants on Sept. 5, marking the third consecutive year he will start somewhere on Dallas' offensive line.

This is Free's sixth NFL season, and he's already the old man of the group. He's 28, but his tenure with the Cowboys is longer than any current member of an offensive line that includes young players such as center Phil Costa, guard/center Kevin Kowalski and tackle Tyron Smith.

The Cowboys also added Nate Livings and Mackenzy Bernadeau to the offensive line in free agency, and they have a combined eight years of NFL experience.

"Getting up there in age, I guess," Free joked. "Livings has a lot of years on him, he's also a veteran type."

Free learned the NFL game watching tackles Flozell Adams and Marc Colombo and center Andre Gurode and guard Kyle Koiser. All of these players are gone now, with Colombo having a retirement ceremony at Valley Ranch two weeks ago.

"You learn a lot from those guys," Free said. "You know, give them a chance to come in here especially with all the veteran guys, I had a chance to play with and stuff. Just learning their techniques and how they handle situations how they work, a lot of great workers I played after."

The offensive line has seen massive change this offseason from the retirement of line coach Hudson Houck, the release of Kosier and the addition of two new guards.

Bill Callahan replaced Houck, and Livings and Bernadeau are projected starters at guard. Free is making a change himself. After playing last season at left tackle, he's moving back to right tackle, a spot that gave him his big break in 2010.

"(There's) always a bit of transition anytime you go to a different side," Free said. "It's manly thinking everything different, doing everything opposite and getting settled over there and getting used to how things are called and instead of being on one side your on the other. It's flipping things in your head, having this time to get ready for it is definitely going to be positive."

One common theme was coming from several defensive players at the Cowboys' annual golf outing Wednesday afternoon: The defense is better.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said the defense is good, adding that a full offseason during which he can go back to basics should curtail communication problems.

His players agreed.

"The mistakes we did make are on tape now and we can correct now," outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware said.

The Cowboys' defense finished 14th overall and 23rd against the pass in 2011.

Upgrading the talent -- signing Brandon Carr, Brodney Pool and Dan Connor in free agency, and drafting cornerback Morris Claiborne -- should help.

The Cowboys also drafted two pass-rushers -- DE Tyrone Crawford in the third round and OLB Kyle Wilber in the fourth.

"I like it. Anybody who can come in and help us right away, I'm pleased with it," defensive end Jason Hatcher said. "We've got a lot of work to do. Claiborne has got to come in and prove himself, (and) when he proves himself (and) we jell as a defense, we'll be ready to go."

Of course, nobody really knows how the talent upgrades will work because everyone across the league signs and drafts players with the hope of getting better.

The secondary, once a weakness for the Cowboys, appears to be a strength for the 2012 season. The projected starters are Brandon Carr and Claiborne with former Pro Bowler Mike Jenkins and slot corner Orlando Scandrick coming in on passing downs.

With NFL teams using more three- and four-receiver sets, the need for extra cornerbacks is important, which is something the Cowboys have stressed this offseason. It's part of their reason for keeping Jenkins around.

Jerry Jones wants Jenkins long term, but it seems the corner is concerned about his role.

If Jenkins remains with the Cowboys in 2012 -- and there's no reason to believe he won't -- the secondary will have some solid players covering opposing receivers.

"I think it's a good group of guys," Carr said. "There's going to be some competition this year, and competition makes everybody elevate their game. That’s all you can ask for as a player and as a teammate, just guys being accountable and getting that next person to that next level."

GRAPEVINE, Texas -- Rookie defensive end Tyrone Crawford, the Cowboys third-round pick, was diagnosed with a heart murmur at the national scouting combine.

On Wednesday, Crawford's agent, Dr. D.S. Ping, confirmed what doctors discovered but said it wasn't a major issue and didn't believe NFL teams took his client off their draft boards.

"Never affected anything," Ping said. "No doubt."

Said team owner/general manger Jerry Jones: "The heart murmur issue is one that I'm satisfied is OK for us."

The Cowboys have taken risks drafting players with injuries in the past.

In the last three drafts the Cowboys drafted players coming off surgeries: Stephen Hodge (knee in 2009) Sean Lee (knee in 2010) and Bruce Carter (knee in 2011). Only Hodge never made the active roster.

This year, the Cowboys selected Crawford, an athletic player with pass-rush abilities. The Cowboys also signed guard Ronald Leary as an undrafted free agent despite the fact he played with a chronic knee condition that could shorten his career.

"We didn't take anybody that had a (draft) grade that said 'don't take,'" Jones said. "We didn't do that. We basically reached out for Leary and we wouldn't have an opportunity for him, the way our draft fell had there not been an issue. He's got a situation, that in my mind (is) our risk with it how long he'll play. And long being in terms of years."

Cowboys lead running back DeMarco Murray told a crowd in San Antonio on Sunday that, "I'm back 100 percent."

The quote comes from the San Antonio Express-News, who covered the Cowboys' Fan Fest, a marketing event designed to keep the team's name alive in their former training camp home. The Cowboys will have training camp in Oxnard, Calif., this summer.

Dez Bryant, Sean Lee, Miles Austin and Murray attended the Fan Fest.

Murray suffered a fractured ankle in a loss to the New York Giants on Dec. 11, ending a fantastic rookie season. Murray saying he's 100 percent should be viewed as good news for Cowboys fans. He's expected to participate some at the veteran minicamp next month.

Murray, who led the Cowboys with 897 rushing yards in 2011, said he's enjoying the voluntary offseason conditioning program led by strength and conditioning coach Mike Woicik.

"Mike Woicik has been great to work with," Murray said. "In college, usually everyone did the same type of program. But here it's more position specific. I definitely feel better prepared."

Here's more from the event.

A conversation with Cowboys defensive line coach Brian Baker revealed the team has no plans on moving Jay Ratliff from nose tackle to end.

Ratliff wore down as the season progressed because of a rib muscle strain. Baker said Ratliff played the fewest snaps percentage wise in 2011 since he's been a starter.

"Jay got hurt," Baker said. "Jay was busted up that's why we had to get him through it."

Baker said to keep Ratliff fresh, taking him off the field on some first and second downs might work because the team has confidence in the abilities of Josh Brent and Sean Lissemore to play some nose tackle.

"He will take all the third downs unless somebody proves they're a better pass rusher inside," Baker said. "Until that happens, if he's getting a little worn [down] we'll save him for third down."

One of the problems with the pass rush, or perceived problem, is the constant double teams Ratliff and outside linebacker DeMarcus Ware face. When offenses take them out of the game, many fans wonder where Anthony Spencer or another player is to push the pocket.

But defensive coordinator Rob Ryan believes Spencer had a solid season and can't understand why people were upset about the play of the outside linebacker.

"I know everybody just looks at the bottom line on sacks or wins, and I don’t blame them," Ryan said. "But as a coach, you appreciate a guy like Anthony Spencer because he does the right thing, and he plays hard. He forces fumbles. He still rushes the passer. He gets in the move. I think he’s going to have a great year."