Yeah, the draft is a total crapshoot and you never know who you draft is going to be worth it, especially in the top five,
Although an argument could be made that Zeke was worth the 4th overall. He instantly was the best RB in the league, was always near the top every year in total rushing yards, had multiple pro bowl seasons, etc.
Compare that to other RBs taken in the top 5-10 range like Barkley or even Bijon last year. They didn’t have near the impact or production Zeke had.
Zeke played about as good as a RB can play drafted that high, but the problem was the second contract, he was starting to decline by then from all the wear and tear.
Anyways, good post DE
Newman and Elliott were good picks, with Elliott likely having the edge. Jones can get some credit for them.
Unfortunately, landing good picks is just the beginning. How they are used for maximum results after they are on the roster should be the ultimate goal. Newman was a solid corner but did not produce many turnovers. Elliott was a solid back, who was run into the ground fairly quickly.
The best GMs pull the trigger on players, who will help the team achieve ultimate goals. They are also responsible for securing the best coaches to maximize the talent they are given to make those goals real.
Higher picks increase the odds of getting difference makers. Difference makers can be found outside those high picks too. The draft is where any GM can begin to shine by acquiring optimum talent regardless of overall selection. The GM's performance level continues well past those seven rounds and years into the future.
For these reasons, my opinion is that Cowboys fans should not put their faith in bad seasons. Our GM has never cashed in those poor years during the drafts that followed them.
Of course, there are picks, who left for other teams and did more for them like DeMarcus Ware. In that way, Jones shines as a GM like the midday sun in summer, lol.