2011 Cincy Jungle Mock Draft - Round 3 - Dallas Cowboys Select...

With the 71st pick in the 2011 Ciny Jungle mock draft, JimOijk represented the Dallas Cowboys and selected...

Christian Ballard - DE - Iowa

At the start of the draft, the Cowboys needed defense, especially a 3-4 defensive end, defensive backs(both safeties and a corner), a right tackle, and a left guard. We drafted the best player available instead of filling needs and took outside linebacker Robert Quinn and Guard/Tackle Danny Watkins. In the third round we believe that the best player available fits a need in defensive end Christian Ballard.

With a safety and cornerback taken immediately ahead of us, we really only considered Ballard at this spot. Many people grade him a second round talent and we think he will be a steal. He has been labeled an underachiever; however, he was consistently involved in plays, and was overshadowed by All-American Adrian Clayborn. He entered college as a tight end and switched sides to play defensive line, which slowed his development. He was also hurt by his versatility as he moved around the line in college, but the consistency of playing one position in the pros should help him learn and improve statistically. We believe he will be a solid starter at our 3-4 defensive end spots for at least five years. We feel that we have improved our team. We will problay look for a saftey and right tackle in free agency once a CBA is signed, and will also draft developmental players at corner, safety and right tackle in the next 4 rounds.

Draft Overview: