Looking at the last 5 drafts

Whyjerry

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Drafts have been better. Remember 2009? I think the bigger issue is that the schemes suck and theses guys just aren’t coached up. There are enough quality players to compete with on that list. Issue remains...coaching is terrible and the culture is not conducive to winning.
 

Creeper

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I also think when evaluating drafts, you need to look at all 32 teams. Is any team comprised of draft picks alone anymore? You also have to look at where each team was drafting. Its easier for players who draft in the top 5 for several years in a row to get a few impact players than it is for players drafting lower than 15 every year. The worst thing you can say about the Cowboys drafting is they seem to like to take risks on players in the 2nd round.
 

shabazz

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I've been bringing this up for years. They still want to pretend the Cowboys draft really well.

True, but look at Taco on your Dolphins. In 9 games hes had 5 sacks, 13 tackles and 7 assists and 2 forced fumbles. He has almost doubled his output in just 9 games than in the 27 games played here.
 

Einstein

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OK, but I bet you could make the same argument as far as hits vs misses on almost every team's draft over the same time period. The draft is a crapshoot from the most part.
 

OmerV

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I know everyone has been brainwashed to believe that the Cowboys brass has drafted great over the past 5 years but let’s list the guys they’ve drafted and then have an honest discussion.

2019- Hill, McGovern, Pollard, J.Jackson, M.Jackson, D.Wilson, Webber, Jelks.

2018- LVE, Williams, Gallup, Armstrong, Shultz, White, Covington, C. Wilson, Scarborough.

2017- Taco, Cheeto, Lewis, Woods, M.White, Ivie, Brown, Carrell.

2016- Elliot, J.Smith, M.Collins, Tapper, Dak, A.Brown, Frazier, D.Jackson, Rico.

2015- B.Jones, Gregory, C.Green, D. Wilson, Russell, Nzeocha, Gibson, Swaim.


I wanted to keep going, but you get the point I hope. It is a myth that Steven and Willy have changed the way the Cowboys draft. Ok, they might have changed it, but not for a good difference. How many above average starters? OK, Dak and Zeke. Other than that. Who? Gallup looks like he Could be capable. Collins is average at best. Gregory could’ve been in the discussion, but hmm. Pollard will never get the opportunity to be number one in a Dallas, barring a bad injury or a suspension. LVE has been rumored to have career threatening neck issues. Jaylon should honestly feel bad for the money he took from Jerry. He might be one of the worst starters on the team. Who else on this list should we discuss?

Ok, let’s talk about it.
You are even using the most recent draft, which cannot be fairly judged yet.

A better indicator is the Cowboys roster - and be fair about this and recognize everyone doesn't have to be a star to have been a good draft pick, and even draft picks that settle in at less than their draft status can still be contributors. If you don't recognize that you aren't fairly judging the Cowboy drafts relative to the rest of the NFL.

Dak Prescott
Zeke Elliott
Tony Pollard
Zack Martin
Travis Frederick
Tyron Smith
Connor Williams
Amari Cooper (effectively used a 1st round pick on him)
Michael Gallup
DeMarcus Lawrence
Maliek Collins
LVE
Jaylon Smith
Sean Lee
Byron Jones
Anthony Brown
Chido Awuzie
Jourdan Lewis
Xavier Woods

And then players we also drafted since 2010 that made contributions before moving along

DeMarco Murray
Dez Bryant
Anthony Hitchins
Terrence Williams
Tyrone Crawford
Bruce Carter
 

TwistedL0g1k

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Missing on Taco, Randy, and Trysten Hill really set this franchise back...

Yes. Imagine if Cooper leaves after this season too. That is TWO first round picks and TWO second round picks with little to show for it. (jury still out on Hill)

The team has to hit on the high draft picks to manage the salary cap.

Trading a first round pick for Cooper without also renegotiating his contract beforehand was a tragic failure.
 

OmerV

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Yeah the whole "we're drafting well" narrative was started by Stephen himself. Wonder if he has taken a look at this list recently.

Missing on Taco, Randy, and Trysten Hill really set this franchise back, because we've had to use picks and plenty of money to sign Robert Quinn and Michael Bennett. Gallup is the only pick in the past two years that generates any excitement for me.
I actually noticed Hill getting some penetration against Buffalo. I don't think he will ever be a standout, but he may yet become a solid contributor.

But the thing to remember is that good drafting does not require perfection. That's a ridiculous standard no team can live up to. The fair way to look at drafting is the overall effect over time, and the Cowboys have a team with a lot of talent built mostly through the draft. It's nonsensical to suggest the team hasn't drafted well when you look at all the talented starters and role players acquired through the draft. Relative to the rest of the NFL, my bet is the Cowboys have done very well.

That's not to say they don't have some weak spots. We've talked endlessly about the need to upgrade the interior D-Line and Safety, and there are other areas that can be upgraded as well. But one of the Cowboys weaknesses has been the inability to supplement the draft success with key free agents. I think most fans like that we aren't spending stupid free agent money they way Jerry once did, but for the most part our free agent strategy in recent years has been to just plug in replaceable parts with lower cost options.
 

ThatJerryKid

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I know everyone has been brainwashed to believe that the Cowboys brass has drafted great over the past 5 years but let’s list the guys they’ve drafted and then have an honest discussion.

2019- Hill, McGovern, Pollard, J.Jackson, M.Jackson, D.Wilson, Webber, Jelks.

2018- LVE, Williams, Gallup, Armstrong, Shultz, White, Covington, C. Wilson, Scarborough.

2017- Taco, Cheeto, Lewis, Woods, M.White, Ivie, Brown, Carrell.

2016- Elliot, J.Smith, M.Collins, Tapper, Dak, A.Brown, Frazier, D.Jackson, Rico.

2015- B.Jones, Gregory, C.Green, D. Wilson, Russell, Nzeocha, Gibson, Swaim.


I wanted to keep going, but you get the point I hope. It is a myth that Steven and Willy have changed the way the Cowboys draft. Ok, they might have changed it, but not for a good difference. How many above average starters? OK, Dak and Zeke. Other than that. Who? Gallup looks like he Could be capable. Collins is average at best. Gregory could’ve been in the discussion, but hmm. Pollard will never get the opportunity to be number one in a Dallas, barring a bad injury or a suspension. LVE has been rumored to have career threatening neck issues. Jaylon should honestly feel bad for the money he took from Jerry. He might be one of the worst starters on the team. Who else on this list should we discuss?

Ok, let’s talk about it.
I wish that you had time to list all the other 31 teams last 5 drafts. I think that you would see that the Cowboys have actually drafted pretty well over that period when compared to the rest of the league.
 

12+88=7

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This person doesn't realize that getting on average two starters per draft is extremely good drafting.

Hitting on 2 out of 7 picks each year is like batting .300 in baseball. You make 7 outs, but you're OK.
 

quickccc

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I know everyone has been brainwashed to believe that the Cowboys brass has drafted great over the past 5 years but let’s list the guys they’ve drafted and then have an honest discussion.

2019- Hill, McGovern, Pollard, J.Jackson, M.Jackson, D.Wilson, Webber, Jelks.

2018- LVE, Williams, Gallup, Armstrong, Shultz, White, Covington, C. Wilson, Scarborough.

2017- Taco, Cheeto, Lewis, Woods, M.White, Ivie, Brown, Carrell.

2016- Elliot, J.Smith, M.Collins, Tapper, Dak, A.Brown, Frazier, D.Jackson, Rico.

2015- B.Jones, Gregory, C.Green, D. Wilson, Russell, Nzeocha, Gibson, Swaim.


I wanted to keep going, but you get the point I hope. It is a myth that Steven and Willy have changed the way the Cowboys draft. Ok, they might have changed it, but not for a good difference. How many above average starters? OK, Dak and Zeke. Other than that. Who? Gallup looks like he Could be capable. Collins is average at best. Gregory could’ve been in the discussion, but hmm. Pollard will never get the opportunity to be number one in a Dallas, barring a bad injury or a suspension. LVE has been rumored to have career threatening neck issues. Jaylon should honestly feel bad for the money he took from Jerry. He might be one of the worst starters on the team. Who else on this list should we discuss?

Ok, let’s talk about it.


2015
- Jones, converted from average FS, made into a pro bowler CB/ via K.Richard in '18, solid in 2019
- I have no qualms about the Gregory pick, he was a top 10 overall pick and great value in the 2nd round
- Chaz ended up horrible pick
- Damien Wilson average starter
- Swaim injury prone JAG tight end
- Lael Collins signed as undrafted rookie- but should be included in this draft class


2016
- Zeke, dak, Collins became starters two of them franchise guys, ..
- A. brown a solid nickel
- frazier a top notch pure special teams guy
- Jaylon considered top 5 overall before knee injury- great value in 2nd rd. Made pro bowl in 2018.


2017
- the Taco over TJ Watt I see as more the Marinelli as his insistent on getting that “ Length “ and prototype fit over TJ Watts, (which is crazy because he was willing to go with 237 lb DE in Gregory)
and then it still became a McClay mistake of reaching for a DE in 1st round because we were petrified of not getting ANY qualified DE by the time the second round pick came around.
Quite a very long time since Cowboys given up on a 1st rd pick so fast, so early
- Awuzie is non ball hawk JAG
- Jordan has ball hawk skills but a limited man coverage nickel /slot only guy (overrated?)
- X Woods has resume of INT background, but it hasn’t fulfilled at NFL level. Decent at best.
- and usual low regarded/near undrafted Marinelli type 1 tech guys in Ivie, Carroll (remember Rod cheering up for Ivie?)


2018
- LVE if healthy and schemed well, should be pro bowl annually
- C. Williams decent starter last 2 years
- Gallup is developing into a top playmaker
- Dorace is JAG at this point
- Schultz; a panic JAG reach ; per post-witten retire
- QB Mike White ..uugh ! cut
- LB Covington -JAG (on PS)
- WR Ced Wilson – JAG
- Scarbrough – cut


2019
- Hill; wasted rookie yr/ best career chance under a new DL coach ?
- McGovern injury related IR
- Pollard -very talented backup RB but very under-used
- Joe Jackson – inactive most year
- Mike Jackson – pouched off PS unit
- D. Wilson - inactive most year
- Webber – PS unit
- Jelks – hidden/stashed on IR
 

FanSince71

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Attention, members. Will McClay has been the de facto GM since 2018.

I wonder if he'll decide to fire Garrett this year.

Okay, I misspoke a bit. What I meant is he’s been the de facto GM as far as player acquisition. Everyone knows Jerry is running the show - myself included - and that Will McClay doesn’t hire or fire anyone. Your grasp of semantics is other-worldly, though. Bravo!
 

BigD5

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I know everyone has been brainwashed to believe that the Cowboys brass has drafted great over the past 5 years but let’s list the guys they’ve drafted and then have an honest discussion.

2019- Hill, McGovern, Pollard, J.Jackson, M.Jackson, D.Wilson, Webber, Jelks.

2018- LVE, Williams, Gallup, Armstrong, Shultz, White, Covington, C. Wilson, Scarborough.

2017- Taco, Cheeto, Lewis, Woods, M.White, Ivie, Brown, Carrell.

2016- Elliot, J.Smith, M.Collins, Tapper, Dak, A.Brown, Frazier, D.Jackson, Rico.

2015- B.Jones, Gregory, C.Green, D. Wilson, Russell, Nzeocha, Gibson, Swaim.


I wanted to keep going, but you get the point I hope. It is a myth that Steven and Willy have changed the way the Cowboys draft. Ok, they might have changed it, but not for a good difference. How many above average starters? OK, Dak and Zeke. Other than that. Who? Gallup looks like he Could be capable. Collins is average at best. Gregory could’ve been in the discussion, but hmm. Pollard will never get the opportunity to be number one in a Dallas, barring a bad injury or a suspension. LVE has been rumored to have career threatening neck issues. Jaylon should honestly feel bad for the money he took from Jerry. He might be one of the worst starters on the team. Who else on this list should we discuss?

Ok, let’s talk about it.
Should’ve drafted Ramsey in the 1st and Derrick Henry in the 2nd in 2016 like I was screaming from the rooftops back then but got laughed at

Who is laughing now?
 

Risen Star

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Okay, I misspoke a bit. What I meant is he’s been the de facto GM as far as player acquisition. Everyone knows Jerry is running the show - myself included - and that Will McClay doesn’t hire or fire anyone. Your grasp of semantics is other-worldly, though. Bravo!

Right. Besides making any personnel decisions on any level of the football operations he's pretty much the GM.
 

Pola_pe_a

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The NFL draft is a crapshoot. Even 1st round picks fail 50% of the time. The Cowboys have done better than most over the past few years.

I’d trade the Cowboys drafts for the Eagles in a second.
 

Kingofholland

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I know everyone has been brainwashed to believe that the Cowboys brass has drafted great over the past 5 years but let’s list the guys they’ve drafted and then have an honest discussion.

2019- Hill, McGovern, Pollard, J.Jackson, M.Jackson, D.Wilson, Webber, Jelks.

2018- LVE, Williams, Gallup, Armstrong, Shultz, White, Covington, C. Wilson, Scarborough.

2017- Taco, Cheeto, Lewis, Woods, M.White, Ivie, Brown, Carrell.

2016- Elliot, J.Smith, M.Collins, Tapper, Dak, A.Brown, Frazier, D.Jackson, Rico.

2015- B.Jones, Gregory, C.Green, D. Wilson, Russell, Nzeocha, Gibson, Swaim.


I wanted to keep going, but you get the point I hope. It is a myth that Steven and Willy have changed the way the Cowboys draft. Ok, they might have changed it, but not for a good difference. How many above average starters? OK, Dak and Zeke. Other than that. Who? Gallup looks like he Could be capable. Collins is average at best. Gregory could’ve been in the discussion, but hmm. Pollard will never get the opportunity to be number one in a Dallas, barring a bad injury or a suspension. LVE has been rumored to have career threatening neck issues. Jaylon should honestly feel bad for the money he took from Jerry. He might be one of the worst starters on the team. Who else on this list should we discuss?

Ok, let’s talk about it.

Looks like every other year is a good draft. Good thing we're due for one in 2020!!! In all seriousness outside of Taco pretty good hit rate in the 1st round. 2016 was still outstanding to get that many contributors. Still like most guys in 2018.
 
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