Jerry Jones wanted his Dallas Cowboys to play a home game in last year’s Super Bowl, underneath Cowboy Stadium’s new jumbo-jumbotron. Instead they’re choosing ninth in the 2011 NFL Draft, and selecting Tyron Smith, offensive tackle from USC, to keep Tony Romo in double-digit games played in 2011.
The Cowboys were expected by many to address their defensive backfield with the first-round pick, but Prince Amukamara remains on the board and the Cowboys have decided to address their gimpy offense first. It’s an interesting and controversial choice—though perhaps less controversial than it might have been, coming right after the Titans selected Jake Locker eighth.
The Dallas Cowboys’ season was really and truly cursed when Jon Kitna emerged to start nine games for the Cowboys—and actually play as well as Tony Romo. A guy like Smith could keep the often-beleaguered Romo healthy in 2011, which could go a long way toward the Cowboys reaching the Super Bowl. Though I’m not sure Jerry Jones is ready to build another stadium in time for that next home game.