IRVING, Texas -- For the second straight year the Dallas Cowboys have used their second-round pick on an inside linebacker, selecting North Carolina’s Bruce Carter.

Unlike Sean Lee, last year’s second rounder, Carter will have to make a position change, having played outside linebacker. Like Lee, he is coming off a knee injury. Carter, 6-2, 240, tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against North Carolina State last November. He was a finalist for the Butkus Award and finished with 57 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He was also a terrific special teams player. He blocked seven kicks in his career.

The Cowboys had a need at the position with Bradie James and Keith Brooking entering the final years of their contracts. Lee is expected to contribute more this year after finishing his rookie year with 45 tackles, three tackles for loss and two interceptions. He returned one of his interceptions off Peyton Manning for a touchdown.

Like first-round pick Tyron Smith, Carter was a pre-draft visitor to Valley Ranch.