This was somewhat of a disappointing draft for Dallas. Anthony Spencer was a solid choice in the first round; he should be a nice backup and long term replacement for Greg Ellis at outside linebacker. I also liked the James Marten pick. He should immediately compete for playing time at right tackle. I'm baffled by the Isaiah Stanback pick. I, personally think he deserves a shot at quarterback, but if that's the reason the Cowboys pick him then they passed on some far more talented guys that were still available. Same goes for if they plan on moving him to receiver. I don't think he has the speed to make the transition and there were better value picks still on the board. Doug Free could be a steal. I don't think there is much difference between him and Marten and I could see either one winning the right tackle job. They reached on Nick Folk, but he is an upgrade over their current kicker situation. The Deon Anderson pick surprised me, I thought Oliver Hoyte did a nice job in his first year playing fullback. Courtney Brown could be a steal; he has fantastic speed but he will be a developmental prospect. Alan Ball will struggle to make the roster. Overall, I don't think they got enough immediate help. They should have taken a receiver at some point and there was no need for two offensive tackles, and the Stanback pick just made zero sense.
Grade: C+

Things started out great for the Cowboys, as I felt that their pick of Carpenter was one of the best in the first round. I'm baffled by their selection of Fasano though. He's a nice player, but they don't need a tight end and Parcells rarely utilized two tight end sets last year, and when he did it was running situations. Fasano leaves a lot to be desired as a blocker. They really reached on Jason Hatcher, and its not even at a position of need. Skyler Green will likely be their punt returner in 2006. Pat Watkins is a solid pick, but he doesn't project as a free safety, which means he won't see much of the field playing behind Roy Williams. Stanley was a steal with 182nd pick. He could even compete for some playing time as a rookie. Pat McQuistan is not his brother Paul (Raiders' 3rd round pick). I was very surprised to see his name called at all on draft day. E.J Whitley is a decent 7th round pick, but he is slow and will likely shift inside to guard. Overall you have to be disappointed that they didn't bring in a free safety, which I had as their top need heading into the draft.
Grade: C