Senior Bowl Week is in the books, so it’s time for me to start my meticulous research for the 2013 NFL Draft.

I will be filling up my “scouting notebook” the next three months with as much information as I can find on Cowboys draft prospects. There will be a keen eye focused on positions of need. That would be primarily offensive line and defensive line.

However, let me go on record from the outset of this process with this: i can already tell you my absolute favorite prospect in this draft is a player from right in our own backyard.

Nebraska running back Rex Burkhead, the former Plano Senior High Wildcat, is my “Sean Lee” of the 2013 NFL Draft. I’m not saying he will be a Pro Bowl player or even a 1st or 2nd round pick, but Burkhead possesses the same kind of character, leadership, athleticism, playmaking ability, work ethic, and passion for football that Sean Lee has.

Prior to taping The Jason Garrett Show back on January 2nd, just three days after the 2012 season ended, I said to the Cowboys head coach, “I’ve got two words for you in this draft.”

Jason said, “Whats that?”

I said, “Rex Burkhead.”

“Who?”

“Rex Burkhead. Mark my words. You’re going to love him.”

Garrett heard Burkhead’s name for the first time on Wednesday, January 2nd. And you heard it here first on January 25th, three full months before the 2013 NFL Draft. Whether its the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th round, whatever it takes, the Cowboys must draft Rex Burkhead.

Much more to come as my “Road to the 2013 Cowboys Draft Notebook” begins filling up right now.