IRVING, Texas -- The Cowboys did not feel comfortable moving down from the No. 9 spot and risk losing out on Tyron Smith, but they did try to get back into the end of the first round.

Teams weren’t “willing to take what we were willing to pay,” owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. “It was definitely a consideration.”

Who were the objects of the Cowboys’ affections? Running back Mark Ingram, who went to New Orleans with the No. 28 pick after a trade with New England. Defensive linemen such as Cameron Jordan (No. 24 to New Orleans), Muhammad Wilkerson (No. 30 to the New York Jets) and Cam Heyward (No. 31 to Pittsburgh.

“This draft is deep in running backs,” Jones said. “Not to say they’re deep in running backs like Mark Ingram, but they’re deep in running backs. We’re going to have opportunities to draft a running back.”

Jones looked at defensive line, but it wasn't at the top of his list.

“We couldn’t get satisfied that it was worth it to us on the defensive line. It is an area we’re interested in, but I hesitate to make it a priority.”