Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, owner Jerry Jones and his son, executive vice president Stephen Jones, watch the 2015 NFL draft unfold from the team’s “War Room” at their training facility at Valley Ranch. 

By JON MACHOTA and MICHAEL HOGUE

Staff writers

For the first time in 13 years, the Cowboys have a top-5 draft pick. Upgrading the pass rush and adding a playmaker on the back end of the defense are among their greatest needs. Many also believe this is an ideal time for the Cowboys to find their franchise quarterback of the future.

To give you an idea of what direction the Cowboys might go with their first-round pick, here is a breakdown of NFL draft trends.

Most top-10 draft picks by team, since 2000

The Cowboys have had four top-10 picks since 2000. The league average is five per team. Here’s a look at which teams have had the most top picks:

Running back: Value is running downhill

Picking a running back early in the draft has become uncommon in today’s NFL. While there’s a good possibility the Cowboys will draft a running back at some point, using the fourth overall pick on one is unlikely. The Cowboys have used one top-10 pick on a running back. In 1977, Dallas selected future Hall of Famer Tony Dorsett with No. 2 overall pick. The last running back taken No. 1 overall was Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.

Quarterback: Signal-callers always call the shots

The higher a quarterback is selected the greater the odds they’ll be successful in the NFL. Tony Romo is the rare exception to the rule. Since the Cowboys don’t usually draft this high, this could be the perfect time to find Romo’s heir apparent. Dallas has used two top-10 picks on quarterbacks, choosing Craig Morton at No. 5 in 1965 and Hall of Famer Troy Aikman at No.1 in 1989.

Receiver/tight end: Pass catchers have caught up

The NFL continues to become more and more of a passing league, so pass-catchers are coveted. Even with Dez Bryant and Jason Witten on the roster, the Cowboys would gladly welcome another playmaker to reduce double-teams. However, the Cowboys have never used a top-10 pick on a wide receiver or tight end.

Offensive line: Pass protectors fetch premium price

It’s quite common for multiple offensive tackles to be drafted within the first 10 picks. The Cowboys’ greatest strength is the talent and youth along their offensive line. There are too many other needs on their roster to add another offensive lineman at No. 4. The Cowboys have selected offensive linemen twice in the top 10 — John Niland at No. 5 in 1966 and  Tyron Smith at No. 9 in 2011.

Defensive line: Pass rushers go in a rush

The elite pass rushers usually come off the board quickly. This draft isn’t particularly loaded in that department. And that’s unfortunate for the Cowboys because it’s their biggest immediate need. Dallas has held top-10 picks 14 times. Five of those picks have been used on the defensive line, including a No. 4 on Scott Appleton in 1964, a No. 1 on Ed ‘Too Tall’ Jones in 1974 and a No. 2 on Hall of Famer Randy White in 1975.

Linebackers: Men in the middle falling out of favor

It’s usually unnecessary to spend a top-5 pick on a linebacker playing in a 4-3 defensive scheme. Although the Cowboys need to upgrade the position, they can probably address that area later in the draft. The Cowboys have used only one top-10 pick on a linebacker — Lee Roy Jordan at No. 6 in 1963.

Defensive backs: Elite cover men in demand

Defensive backs generally aren’t drafted in the top 5. But if an exceptional player is available at No. 4, it could be wise for the Cowboys to add a Pro Bowl-caliber player at a position of need. The Cowboys have had four top=10 picks since 2000, and three of them have been used on defensive backs.