The Dallas Cowboys, one of the most iconic and beloved teams in the National Football League (NFL), have a rich and complex draft history that spans over six decades. With 56 drafts under their belt, the Cowboys have had their fair share of successes and failures, shaping the team into what it is today. From the earliest days of the franchise to the present, the Cowboys’ draft strategy has evolved, influenced by factors such as team needs, player availability, and front office philosophies.
Early Years (1960-1970)
The Cowboys’ inaugural draft in 1960 saw them select offensive tackle Jimmie Johnson with their first pick, setting the tone for a decade that would be marked by moderate success. The 1960s were a time of growth for the franchise, with notable draft picks including quarterback Don Meredith (1960), linebacker Dave Wilcox (1964), and defensive end George Andrie (1962). These players would form the foundation of the team’s first playoff appearance in 1966.
One of the most significant drafts of the decade came in 1969, when the Cowboys selected defensive tackle Jethro Pugh and running back Calvin Hill. Pugh would go on to play 14 seasons with the Cowboys, earning two Pro Bowl selections, while Hill would become a key contributor to the team’s offense, rushing for over 1,000 yards in 1972.
The Tom Landry Era (1970-1988)
The 1970s are often referred to as the “Golden Age” of the Cowboys, with the team winning two Super Bowl championships (VI and XII) during this period. Tom Landry, the team’s legendary coach, played a significant role in shaping the franchise’s draft strategy. Landry’s emphasis on speed, agility, and athleticism led to the selection of players like running back Duane Thomas (1970), wide receiver Bob Hayes (1970), and safety Cliff Harris (1970).
The 1975 draft is particularly notable, as the Cowboys selected quarterback Danny White, who would go on to lead the team to three Super Bowl appearances. Other notable draft picks from this era include defensive end Harvey Martin (1973), linebacker Randy White (1975), and tight end Billy Joe DuPree (1973).
The Jerry Jones Era (1989-Present)
The arrival of Jerry Jones as the team’s owner and general manager in 1989 marked a significant turning point in the Cowboys’ draft history. Jones’ aggressive approach to the draft, often characterized by bold trades and high-risk, high-reward selections, has yielded mixed results.
One of the most successful drafts of the Jones era came in 1991, when the Cowboys selected defensive tackle Russell Maryland, linebacker Dixon Edwards, and cornerback Larry Brown. This trio would play a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl XXVII championship.
Other notable draft picks from this era include quarterback Troy Aikman (1989), running back Emmitt Smith (1990), and wide receiver Michael Irvin (1988). However, the team has also experienced its fair share of draft busts, including quarterback Ryan Leaf (1998) and wide receiver Joey Galloway (1995).
Recent Trends (2010-Present)
In recent years, the Cowboys have focused on building through the draft, with a emphasis on selecting players who fit their specific scheme and system. The 2010 draft saw the team select left tackle Tyron Smith, who has developed into one of the premier tackles in the league.
The 2014 draft was particularly successful, with the Cowboys selecting guard Zack Martin, who has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who has become a key contributor to the team’s pass rush.
Other notable draft picks from this era include running back Ezekiel Elliott (2016), quarterback Dak Prescott (2016), and linebacker Jaylon Smith (2016). The team’s recent drafts have been marked by a focus on building a strong foundation on both sides of the ball, with an emphasis on selecting players who possess a combination of athleticism, size, and speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the Cowboys' first draft pick in franchise history?
+The Cowboys' first draft pick was Jimmie Johnson, an offensive tackle from UCLA, selected in the 1960 NFL Draft.
What is the Cowboys' most successful draft class in terms of Super Bowl wins?
+The 1991 draft class, which included defensive tackle Russell Maryland, linebacker Dixon Edwards, and cornerback Larry Brown, is the most successful in terms of Super Bowl wins, with the team winning Super Bowl XXVII that season.
Who is the Cowboys' all-time leader in draft picks?
+Jerry Jones, the team's owner and general manager, has been responsible for the most draft picks in franchise history, with over 300 selections since 1989.
What is the Cowboys' draft strategy in the modern era?
+The Cowboys' draft strategy in the modern era focuses on building through the draft, with an emphasis on selecting players who fit their specific scheme and system. The team prioritizes athleticism, size, and speed, and looks for players who possess a combination of these traits.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys’ draft history is a complex and fascinating topic, marked by successes and failures that have shaped the team into what it is today. From the early days of the franchise to the present, the Cowboys have evolved their draft strategy, influenced by factors such as team needs, player availability, and front office philosophies. As the team looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how they continue to build through the draft, and which players will become the next stars in the Cowboys’ storied history.
