Cowboys Draft Troy DE Demarcus Ware At No. 11

The first 10 picks could've shaped out any better for the Cowboys, who had their pick of front-seven players to choose from the No. 11 pick. While more proven and experienced players were available, the Cowboys opted for a pure pass rusher, taking Troy defensive end Demarcus Ware. The 6-4, 245-pounder had 28 career sacks in his four years for the Trojans, including 11 last year as a senior. Ware is considered one of the most athletic defensive players in this draft and uses his superior speed and quickness to get to the quarterback.

Ware, the Sun Belt Conference Defensive Player of the Year last season, was moved to an outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl, playing some in the 3-4 scheme. He had three tackles and two quarterback pressures playing limited playing time in annual All-Star game in Mobile, Ala.

The Cowboys were also looking at Maryland defensive end/outside linebacker Shawne Merriman, Texas linebacker Derrick Johnson and LSU defensive end Marcus Spears.

Ware is the latest attempt the Cowboys have made to find a pure pass rusher since they lost Charles Haley back in 1996. Since 1994, the Cowboys have now picked a defensive end with their top pick in five different drafts, starting with Shante Carver, followed by Kavika Pittman, Greg Ellis, Ebenezer Ekuban and now Ware.

No surprise that the Cowboys took a pass rusher with their first pick, although one from my old stomping grounds is interesting. Certainly, a player from a major conference would have been a safer bet. Or, indeed, trading down a few spots to grab one of the numerous quality defensive ends or linebackers in this draft.

Ware is the first a Troy (State) player ever taken in the 1st round. The ESPN draft tracker thinks it a good pick:

The Cowboys have filled a number of needs in free agency, and with two first-round picks had the opportunity to address a couple of more. Ware fills one. He is a hybrid DE/OLB with explosive speed and loads of pass-rushing potential. Ware's draft stock skyrocketed after an impressive showing at the combine.

via OTB