Apparently, it's an unpopular view but I do think we need help at cornerback early.
Terrance Newman: Is playing great this year. However he'll be 34 going into next season and will be owed $6+ million next season. The Cowboys already showed their hand by trying to replace T-New with Nnamdi this offseason. His return is not gauranteed.
Orlando Scandrick: Just signed and extension this offseason and is playing quite well. He's here for the forseeable future.
Mike Jenkins: Has one year left (2012) on his contract for a paltry $1.052 million. Jenkins has shown when healthy and playing confident that he's one of the better cornerbacks in this league. He will be looking to get paid, be it Dallas, or somewhere else. Considerations/protection may be made in this upcoming draft.
Alan Ball: Playing very solid this season after moving back to his more natural position at cornerback. Ball signed a 1-year contract this offseason and will be a free agent after 2011. I could see some needy team giving him an enticing offer with the promise of a shot at a starter's role.
Frank Walker: Journeyman DB that's playing well in his role. There are no gaurantees with his future at Dallas after this season. He's 30, and now on his fifth team in his nine-year career; one of those types of players teams are always looking to upgrade.
So saying all that, I think there is a need to go cornerback somewhere in the first three rounds. I don't like putting rookie cornerbacks into starter type roles. Ideally, I'd like to bring a CB in and let him slowly work in packages his first season. Next year will afford us that luxury so we should look to bring one in.