Cowboys Draft: Ranking the very best first-round picks in the last 10 years
The 2023 NFL Draft is near and the Dallas Cowboys aim to make some magic with the 26th overall pick of the first round. The team has needs on offense and defense but over the years, they've shown they'll sacrifice needs over the best player available. It's worked out many times. But which have been […]
The 2023 NFL Draft is near and the Dallas Cowboys aim to make some magic with the 26th overall pick of the first round.
The team has needs on offense and defense but over the years, they've shown they'll sacrifice needs over the best player available. It's worked out many times.
But which have been the best first-round picks for the Cowboys in the last 10 years? Let's dive in!
Dallas Cowboys Top First-Round Draft Picks Since 2013
1. LB/EDGE Micah Parsons (2021)
Although this is a bit of a projection, it really looks like Parsons will become an all-time great. He already has two First-Team All-Pro honors to his name and has gotten Defensive Player of the Year consideration in his first two seasons in the NFL.
This was a tough call versus the player who's No. 2 but ultimately, Micah gets the nod because of the game-changing impact he's had on the Cowboys defense. He also gets extra points because he plays arguably the most valuable defensive position in football.
2. OG Zack Martin (2014)
No one has been as consistent as Martin since 2014.
He's had SIX First-Team All-Pro seasons in nine years in the league. He's arguably the best player in the Cowboys and is the biggest reason Dallas has endured several offensive line injuries. Right guard has never been a concern.
And when they asked him to play right tackle, he delivered.
3. WR CeeDee Lamb (2020)
We knew Lamb was a steal since the day the Cowboys took him with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Although he’s young and has no First-Team All-Pro honors under his belt, he’s proven he can be the franchise’s WR1 for years to come. He’s averaged over 1,100 receiving yards per year since arriving at Dallas.
A legit No. 88 for the Cowboys can't fall out of the Top 3.
4. Travis Frederick (2013)
Unfortunately, Frederick didn’t get to play for a long time. But in his time, he was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL. He was a true leader on the field and has been missed in Dallas since he retired.
The Cowboys had one of the most refined technicians at the position in the entire league. He was a great one.
Bonus points for being the 31st overall pick. Not to mention, the team got him after trading down.
5. RB Ezekiel Elliott (2016)
For a while, Zeke was one of the best running backs in the league. Even though many criticize the fact that he was drafted fourth overall, he proved why during his rookie contract years.
Since he signed the massive extension though, Zeke's production consistently declined. He could have an argument to be in the Top 3 of this list, however. He truly was that dominant for a while.
6. Tyler Smith (2022)
His story hasn’t been written yet but if the Cowboys did find their left tackle of the future at 24th overall, Tyler Smith can’t be any lower on this list. Again, this is somewhat of a projection but Smith is shaping up nicely one year into his career.
7. CB Byron Jones (2015)
A five-year starter for the Cowboys, give me Byron Jones at 7th on this list. He could’ve been a whole lot better if the team didn’t ask him to play so many positions early in his career.
Although he was oftentimes criticized because of the lack of interceptions, his cover skills made him a dangerous DB.
8. LB Leighton Vander Esch (2018)
The one knock on Vander Esch is the fact that he’s had a lot of ups and downs throughout his career. The Cowboys didn’t even pick up his fifth-year option. However, he’s been a valuable contributor to the team since he was drafted five years ago.
And hey, his being eighth on this list is a huge testament to the Cowboys' success in drafting players.
9. DE Taco Charlton (2018)
Cowboys fans won’t let you forget T.J. Watt was available when the team opted for Charlton because of “scheme fit.” Known today as a Rod Marinelli pick, Charlton might’ve been one of the worst draft picks of the last ten years for Dallas.
He had seven starts for the team in his two seasons with the Cowboys. He's bounced around several teams since then but hasn't had the career he would've expected out of Michigan.
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