Dallas's Draft a D minus?

Dallas
What I liked: In a big year for offensive lineman, the Cowboys picked up 20-year-old Tyron Smith, the highest-rated offensive tackle on most boards, with the No. 9 pick in Round 1. He's already talking about his Hall of Fame potential. Ah, the intoxicating elixir of the draft.
What I didn't like: The Cowboys fielded the worst defense in franchise history last year, surrendering 436 points. So what did they do? Doubled down on its prolific offense (29.1 PPG over eight weeks under Jason Garrett) while devoting just two of eight picks to defense. Very curious draft that appeared to ignore the team's most obvious needs.
It should have been a big day for defense. Instead, the Cowboys will likely take the field next year with a same old collection of big, but underachieving names on defense. Grade: D-

Read more:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/kerry_byrne/05/01/draft.grades/index.html#ixzz1LW9VJpsl

I'm sure that the writers at SI are smarter than this article. I didn't think their draft was great. Still don't. But it wasn't a D minus.

First, Dallas' biggest need was an O-line. Over the last years, the players got old, and they lacked depth at every position. It was the largest need. Remember that the Cowboys play in the same division as the Redskins and Giants who all have dominating D-line play. To keep up in this arms race they have to make sure their O-line isn't as porous next year, that way they have a chance of keeping Romo upright.

Second, the defense doesn't have big names, barring Ware and Ratliff, but the defense was often put into bad spots by the offense. They aren't going to compete with the Steelers or Ravens anytime soon, but their defense, when healthy, will get the job done. The corners were unusually bad last year, and I still have faith in Jenkins and Scandrick. They'll be better next year, it was an off year for them.

Giving them a D minus is a bit much. What the Cowboys did need to do was get a safety, which they haven't done, but its not enough to get them a D minus. For fixing their number one need the Cowboys get a B from me.