2011 BGN Community Mock Draft Pick #40: The Dallas Cowboys

With the fortieth pick in the 2011 BGN Mock Draft, captain nodar selects...

James Carpenter - OT, Alabama

Having gone DL in round 1, and with the glaring need to get better and younger on the O line, it is unlikely that former Cowboy offensive coordinator and current head coach Jason Garrett (assuming that he actually has a say on JJ's team) selects another defender here. The durable (he started every game in his college career) Carpenter should be able to compete immediately at RT, and would certainly go into camp as the favorite over the oft injured Colombo, who will turn 33 this year.

Carpenter has prototypical OT size (6'5", 315) to go with good strength and speed, and is well versed in a pro style O. He has excellent technique working in space and getting to the second level, and seemed to thrive the most against top-notch competition. During his tenure at Alabama, the 1st team ALL-SEC OT (Coaches' poll) was the primary catalyst in the Tide's vaunted rushing attack lead by 2009 Heisman winner Mark Ingram, and also provided protection to allow QB Greg McElroy to finish the season ranked 4th in the nation in passing efficiency.

More after the jump...

Some analysts consider him to not have the lateral quickness carry over as a LT in the NFL and project him as an RT. Regardless, his size, experience and durability mean he should be a solid contributor from day 1, and solidify the RT position for years to come.

note - I actually did consider Rahim Moore here. His questionable strength and tackling ability are more easily rectified under the tutelage of an NFL strength program, while his positives - quickness, great pass defender and exceptional ball-hawk, are more instinctual and harder to teach. Having a "center field" type safety you can trust when out on an island is certainly desirable when facing the likes of DeSean Jackson and Hakeem Nicks twice per season.

Next on the clock will be Jessica Cruz with the Washington Redskins.

Previous Picks: 1 - Nick Fairley 2 - Patrick Peterson 3 - Blaine Gabbert 4 - Cam Newton 5 - Von Miller 6 - Marcell Dareus 7 - Prince Amukamara 8 - A.J. Green 9 - Da'Quan Bowers 10 - Corey Liuget 11 - Robert Quinn 12 - Julio Jones 13 - Tyron Smith 14 - Jimmy Smith 15 - Mark Ingram 16 - Cameron Jordan 17 - Ryan Kerrigan 18 - Anthony Castonzo 19 - Mike Pouncey 20 - Adrian Clayborn 21 - Phil Taylor 22- Stephen Paea 23 - Brandon Harris 24 - Aldon Smith 25 - Gabe Carimi 26 - Torrey Smith 27 - Justin Houston 28- J.J. Watt 29 - Nate Solder 30 - Akeem Ayers 31- Derek Sherrod 32 - Cameron Heyward 33- Muhammad Wilkerson 34 - Allen Bailey 35 - Jabaal Sheard 36 - Marvin Austin 37 - Jonathan Baldwin 38 - Jake Locker 39 - Colin Kaepernick