Nov 25, 2010; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

After taking cornerback Morris Claiborne in the first round of last month’s draft, the Dallas Cowboys put Mike Jenkins on the trading block. The Cowboys were thought to be looking for a second day pick in the 2011 NFL Draft in return for Mike Jenkins but it didn’t materialize and he remains a member of the team.

The Cowboys’ situation at cornerback remains the same and although they have said they will keep Jenkins, rumors of potential suitors persist. Those include the Indianapolis Colts and, according to Calvin Watkins of ESPNDallas.com, the Detroit Lions.

Watkins goes on to spend the rest of his article on the matter explaining three reasons why the Cowboys won’t trade Jenkins but it is interesting that the Lions apparently continue to be active in adding bodies at cornerback. Jenkins would be able to compete for the starting spot opposite Chris Houston but the Lions will have enough interesting decisions to make with the cornerbacks on their roster as it stands today. However, that won’t deter them if they feel Jenkins is a clear improvement and the Cowboys wind up willing to trade him.

Dec 11, 2011; Dallas, TX, USA; New York Giants receiver Mario Manningham (82) has a pass broken up by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (21). Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Following their pick of Morris Claiborne last night, the Dallas Cowboys have little room for Mike Jenkins on their roster. They are reportedly looking to deal Jenkins for a draft pick.

They’d like a second or third round pick but the Cowboys have no leverage in the situation. They put themselves in this position by drafting Claiborne and it is unlikely any team in the NFL would be sympathetic towards the Cowboys situation. Just because the Cowboys want a second or third round pick doesn’t mean they’ll get it.

The Lions would be prudent to place a phone call to Jerry Jones to test the temperature of the water. I’d like to see day two of the draft play out and see where they Lions are at cornerback after that before offering a pick only as high as a fourth rounder for Jenkins.

The news of Jenkins’ availability is a perfect time to remind us all that the Lions view the draft as just one piece of the roster-building process. Martin Mayhew led drafts have a history of defying need-based conventional wisdom and he has shown an ability to address needs in other ways such as trades. Chris Houston, Rob Sims, Tony Scheffler and Corey Williams are all examples of players that came at a low price as a result of changes within their original organization.

No matter what happens this weekend, remember that this is not an ending point. Roster improvement is a continual process for the Lions and they’ll look to upgrade through every available avenue.

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