Cowboys draft grade

This past weekend was the Dallas Cowboys' last opportunity to address some personnel issues before heading into offseason camps. Here are my thoughts on how well (and in some cases, how poorly) I think the Cowboys did in picking up personnel on draft weekend.

The good:

3rd round, 69th pick: Jason Williams, LB, Western Illinois -- conflicting reviews from ESPN analysts on this one. For my money, I like this pick. In order to offset monster DeMarcus Ware at outside linebacker in the 3-4 on one side, the Cowboys need to have a legitimate pass rush threat on the other side to avoid constant double teams on their defensive start. If Williams turns into the ball hawk (who led the nation in forced fumbles last year) he was in college, the pick looks genius. If he doesn't pan out, the Cowboys will take heat for not taking an offensive lineman or a safety (their two primary needs) first.

undrafted free agent: Rudy Carpenter, QB, Arizona State -- after a few really hot seasons under center in Sun Devil Stadium, Ru-Ru-Rudy was extended an invitation to Cowboys mini-camp this offseason. At 6-1 and around 200, he has the size to be an NFL quarterback. His worst collegiate season came last year as a senior, but did throw for over 10,000 yards and more than 80 touchdowns at ASU. He has showed in college that he has toughness, often playing in front of a sieve masquerading as an offensive line. However, he needs to get his temper and his mind right in order to be functional in the NFL.

DeAngelo Smith, CB, Cincinnati -- Until the Cowboys stop giving up the big plays to anyone and everyone that can run in a straight line at the wide receiver position in the NFC East (see here, here, and here), I'll be an advocate of drafting for the secondary. Smith can help out in nickel and dime packages, or fill in if Terrence Newman or Mike Jenkins can't stay healthy, like last year. Additionally, he can run back punts, which could free up Patrick Crayton for a larger role in the passing offense this season.

The bad:

Stephen McGee, QB, Texas A&M -- I'm not sold on the oft-injured McGee, who was more of a running threat than a passing icon during his tenure as an Aggie. Look, if the guy can stay on the field, I'm all for having him as a productive No. 3 (if he beats out Carpenter) behind Romo and Kitna. However, I just don't think he's showed anything special in an offense at A&M where Jorvorskie Lane and Mike Goodson were bigger home run play threats.

Not drafting a safety until the fifth round -- Look, I'm all for position battles and seeing who rises to the occasion. However, I think it's hard to say that a battle between Michael Hamlin, Pat Watkins and Courtney Brown will yield a safety that can cover the field admirably, make open field tackles and take the pressure off the seven men in the box alongside free safety Ken Hamlin. Smith and Alan Ball could also compete for time in the back, but I'm not sold on going after a glaring need on defense this late in the draft.

Overall: I'm giving them a C for this one. It could have been worse, but not addressing the safety position with Roy Williams gone was a mistake in my eyes.