Cornerback wasn't one of the Cowboys' biggest needs entering the offseason.

They have the top four players on their depth chart all returning. But with Pro Bowler Byron Jones and nickel defensive back Anthony Brown are entering the final year of their rookie deals, it was important that Dallas find some young players for defensive backs coach Kris Richard to groom for the future.

They ended up drafting Mike Jackson in the fifth round and signing rookie Chris Westry after the draft.

"It's always valuable," Richard said of the additional depth. "You can never have too much. It's a tough man sport. But even tough men get sprains and strains from time to time.

"It's obviously the No. 1 thing we're looking to do is continuing on with building the stable, consistently making sure our cupboards are never bare. We are pleased with the depth we have now."

Throughout the pre-draft process, Richard was in search of tall corners with long arms (at least 32 inches). Jackson is 6-1 and 210 pounds with 32.5-inch arms. Westry is 6-4 and 199 pounds with 33-inch arms.

"Very pleased with him," Richard said of Jackson. "Intelligent, very smart, very sharp, picks things up really quick. Big, massive man. He's about 210 pounds, very fast, has nice athleticism. I think he's got corner and nickel combo ability for us. Obviously the more you can do, the more value that you'll present for yourself."

Richard said he was "very thrilled" that they were able to acquire Westry as an undrafted rookie free agent. He was one of Dallas' top 30 pre-draft national visitors.

"He's a ball of clay for us," Richard said. "It's just really cool to have a guy with that type of athletic ability, first and foremost, beyond the profile fit. You look at a guy of this nature, 6-4, 33-inch arms, he's really fast and has great athleticism.

"Obviously the No. 1 thing we're looking for is -- we'll get him to be able to play the technique -- but it's the rest of the game that's going to come along with it, the physicality, the aggressive nature."

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