Johnny Freaking Football!

Ok…sure,  most Dallas fans wouldn’t be shocked by the selection on Thursday night knowing full well Jerry Jones is more than capable of pulling the trigger if Johnny Manziel fell to the 16th spot in the draft.

For some it might actually make sense with Tony Romo coming off a couple of back surgeries, however, the Cowboys have more needs on the defensive side of the ball  at defensive line (losing Demarcus Ware and Jason Hatcher) and safety.  Unless Jerry Jones is thinking of rebuilding (which we know he is not) taking a QB in the first round seems unnecessary for a team that struggled mightily on defense on their way to another 8-8 season.

Manziel would be a steal for most teams looking for a QB at 16 if he is available but don’t think Jones is ready to blow up this team just yet.

Would be a headline-garnering pick for Dallas, but there is a slim to none chance he makes it past the 10th pick.

Sorry A&M/Dallas fans.

Assuming Dallas doesn’t trade the pick, which is more probable than selecting a QB in the first round, the Cowboys will most likely take a defensive player if they stand pat at 16.

They could go offensive line with the first pick, but there are not many options garnering a first round grade compared to the defensive draft prospects the Cowboys are zeroing in on.

Top Safety prospects on Dallas’ radar:

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix (Alabama)

Calvin Pryor (Louisville)

Top Defensive Line prospects on Dallas’ radar:

Anthony Barr, DE (UCLA)

Aaron Donald, DT (Pittsburgh)

If the draft follows the script based on what most of the mocks say (barring any earth shattering trades); Dallas will almost certainly choose one of these four players.  Safety could be the greatest need for the Cowboys, but replacing Ware and Hatcher could force Jones to take Barr or Donald with the first pick.

So who do you think Dallas should select with their first-round pick?

More From 600 ESPN El Paso