CFZ Best Drafts in Cowboys History

[Bobhaze]

The Cowboys have a great overall draft history. Some of the best drafts in NFL history were by the Cowboys.
Here are the 3 BEST drafts IMO:

• The 1964 Draft- easily the greatest draft in Cowboys history and one of the greatest in NFL history. A whopping 3 HOFers were in this draft. Here are some of the picks:
  • HOF CB Mel Renfro- taken in round 2. Played in 3 SBs and was a 10 time pro bowler in his 14 seasons. One of the greatest athletes in Cowboys history. A great return man as well as DB.
  • HOF WR Bob Hayes- a 7th round pick because most people thought he was just a track guy who was a gold medalist in the 100 meters in the 64 Olympics. He proved immediately in his rookie year he belonged scoring 13 TDs in one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history. His speed was responsible for changing the game forcing defenses to use zone coverages.
  • HOF QB Roger Staubach- because Roger had to serve a 5 year military commitment, Roger slid to the 12th round! He was not able to play until 1969 when he played as a 28 year old rookie. The greatest Cowboy played eleven seasons and won 12 playoff games including 4 NFC championships and 2 SBs.

• The 1989 draft- The first draft of the Jerry Jones era kickstarted the team toward its dominant SB run of the 90s. Jimmy Johnson was an excellent talent evaluator and this draft was his first. Several key players in the 90s run were from the ‘89 draft.
  • HOF QB Troy Aikman (the last QB the Cowboys drafted in round one) Troy won 11 playoff games, 3 NFC championships and 3 SBs. Arguably the most accurate passer to play QB.
  • Darryl “Moose” Johnston- taken in round 2, Moose became a key component to Cowboys success as a blocker for Emmitt Smith and a solid receiver out of the backfield. Also was a STs monster on punt coverage too.
  • Center Mark Stepnoski- also taken in round 2, Step became the anchor of the greatest OL to lace em up. Although undersized he used his intelligence and quickness to master the position.
  • DE Tony Tolbert- a 4th round pick from UTEP, Tolbert became an excellent pass rusher opposite HOFer Charles Haley, making the Cowboys pass rush deadly in their 90s run.

• The 1991 Draft- Jimmy Johnson once again hit on a great draft with several key players in the 90s SB run:
  • DT Russell Maryland- the first overall pick in the draft that year, Maryland became the inside anchor of a dominant DL that included Charles Haley, Tony Tolbert and Chad Hennings.
  • WR Alvin Harper- taken in 2nd round, Harper became an immediate impact player opposite HOF WR Michael Irvin. Harper made tons of big plays in playoff games.
  • OT Erik Williams- a third rounder who became an absolute beast at RT and a favorite of the late great John Madden. A car accident shortened what would have been a HOF career.
  • DT Leon Lett- a 7th round gem, Lett was a physically dominant DT who is famous for his good and bad plays. Lett has gone on to be an assistant coach for the Cowboys.

Here’s hoping the 2023 draft will become one of the best drafts we’ve had and propels us to a SB run.

 

[CouchCoach]

What? No Dirty Dozen of 75?

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

Think you gotta put 2005 in there too.

 

[Smith22]

Think you gotta put 2005 in there too.

2005 was pretty crazy for sure.

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

2005 was pretty crazy for sure.

Especially in recent memory.

 

[Bobhaze]

What? No Dirty Dozen of 75?

I would rank that 1975 “Dirty Dozen” draft 4th. It was a great draft. Randy White, Hollywood Henderson, Bob Bruenig. But 64, 89 and 91 were better IMO.

 

[Smith22]

I would rank that 1975 “Dirty Dozen” draft 4th. It was a great draft. Randy White, Hollywood Henderson, Bob Bruenig. But 64, 89 and 91 were better IMO.

I take 2005 over 91. Harper was a bust after leaving Dallas.

Ware
Spears
Barber
Canty

and getting Ratliff in the 7th is insane.

 

[Bobhaze]

I take 2005 over 91. Harper was a bust after leaving Dallas.

Ware
Spears
Barber
Canty

and getting Ratliff in the 7th is insane.

It was a good draft for sure. But I rank the 2005 draft lower than top 3 because as good as this draft was, it did not produce the playoff wins the others I listed did.

 

[Miller]

The Cowboys have a great overall draft history. Some of the best drafts in NFL history were by the Cowboys.
Here are the 3 BEST drafts IMO:

• The 1964 Draft- easily the greatest draft in Cowboys history and one of the greatest in NFL history. A whopping 3 HOFers were in this draft. Here are some of the picks:
  • HOF CB Mel Renfro- taken in round 2. Played in 3 SBs and was a 10 time pro bowler in his 14 seasons. One of the greatest athletes in Cowboys history. A great return man as well as DB.
  • HOF WR Bob Hayes- a 7th round pick because most people thought he was just a track guy who was a gold medalist in the 100 meters in the 64 Olympics. He proved immediately in his rookie year he belonged scoring 13 TDs in one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history. His speed was responsible for changing the game forcing defenses to use zone coverages.
  • HOF QB Roger Staubach- because Roger had to serve a 5 year military commitment, Roger slid to the 12th round! He was not able to play until 1969 when he played as a 28 year old rookie. The greatest Cowboy played eleven seasons and won 12 playoff games including 4 NFC championships and 2 SBs.

• The 1989 draft- The first draft of the Jerry Jones era kickstarted the team toward its dominant SB run of the 90s. Jimmy Johnson was an excellent talent evaluator and this draft was his first. Several key players in the 90s run were from the ‘89 draft.
  • HOF QB Troy Aikman (the last QB the Cowboys drafted in round one) Troy won 11 playoff games, 3 NFC championships and 3 SBs. Arguably the most accurate passer to play QB.
  • Darryl “Moose” Johnston- taken in round 2, Moose became a key component to Cowboys success as a blocker for Emmitt Smith and a solid receiver out of the backfield. Also was a STs monster on punt coverage too.
  • Center Mark Stepnoski- also taken in round 2, Step became the anchor of the greatest OL to lace em up. Although undersized he used his intelligence and quickness to master the position.
  • DE Tony Tolbert- a 4th round pick from UTEP, Tolbert became an excellent pass rusher opposite HOFer Charles Haley, making the Cowboys pass rush deadly in their 90s run.

• The 1991 Draft- Jimmy Johnson once again hit on a great draft with several key players in the 90s SB run:
  • DT Russell Maryland- the first overall pick in the draft that year, Maryland became the inside anchor of a dominant DL that included Charles Haley, Tony Tolbert and Chad Hennings.
  • WR Alvin Harper- taken in 2nd round, Harper became an immediate impact player opposite HOF WR Michael Irvin. Harper made tons of big plays in playoff games.
  • OT Erik Williams- a third rounder who became an absolute beast at RT and a favorite of the late great John Madden. A car accident shortened what would have been a HOF career.
  • DT Leon Lett- a 7th round gem, Lett was a physically dominant DT who is famous for his good and bad plays. Lett has gone on to be an assistant coach for the Cowboys.

Here’s hoping the 2023 draft will become one of the best drafts we’ve had and propels us to a SB run.

Another cool part about the 1989 Draft was the other HOFers in Top 5. So..

#1-Aikman
#3-Barry Sanders
#4-Derrick Thomas
#5 -Deion Sanders

 

[jazzcat22]

The 1990 draft, Emmitt alone makes that a great draft.

They got a few other solid players as well in Kenny Gant and Jimmie Jones.

 

[jazzcat22]

Another cool part about the 1989 Draft was the other HOFers in Top 5. So..

#1-Aikman
#3-Barry Sanders
#4-Derrick Thomas
#5 -Deion Sanders

Then you had #2 Tony Mandarich, one of the biggest busts in NFL history.
I remember some in the media, on ESPN, were saying Dallas should select Mandarich over Aikman.

 

[Sheepherder]

The Cowboys have a great overall draft history. Some of the best drafts in NFL history were by the Cowboys.
Here are the 3 BEST drafts IMO:

• The 1964 Draft- easily the greatest draft in Cowboys history and one of the greatest in NFL history. A whopping 3 HOFers were in this draft. Here are some of the picks:
  • HOF CB Mel Renfro- taken in round 2. Played in 3 SBs and was a 10 time pro bowler in his 14 seasons. One of the greatest athletes in Cowboys history. A great return man as well as DB.
  • HOF WR Bob Hayes- a 7th round pick because most people thought he was just a track guy who was a gold medalist in the 100 meters in the 64 Olympics. He proved immediately in his rookie year he belonged scoring 13 TDs in one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history. His speed was responsible for changing the game forcing defenses to use zone coverages.
  • HOF QB Roger Staubach- because Roger had to serve a 5 year military commitment, Roger slid to the 12th round! He was not able to play until 1969 when he played as a 28 year old rookie. The greatest Cowboy played eleven seasons and won 12 playoff games including 4 NFC championships and 2 SBs.

• The 1989 draft- The first draft of the Jerry Jones era kickstarted the team toward its dominant SB run of the 90s. Jimmy Johnson was an excellent talent evaluator and this draft was his first. Several key players in the 90s run were from the ‘89 draft.
  • HOF QB Troy Aikman (the last QB the Cowboys drafted in round one) Troy won 11 playoff games, 3 NFC championships and 3 SBs. Arguably the most accurate passer to play QB.
  • Darryl “Moose” Johnston- taken in round 2, Moose became a key component to Cowboys success as a blocker for Emmitt Smith and a solid receiver out of the backfield. Also was a STs monster on punt coverage too.
  • Center Mark Stepnoski- also taken in round 2, Step became the anchor of the greatest OL to lace em up. Although undersized he used his intelligence and quickness to master the position.
  • DE Tony Tolbert- a 4th round pick from UTEP, Tolbert became an excellent pass rusher opposite HOFer Charles Haley, making the Cowboys pass Russ deadly in their 90s run.
• The 1991 Draft- Jimmy Johnson once again hit on a great draft with several key players in the 90s SB run:
  • DT Russell Maryland- the first overall pick in the draft that year, Maryland became the inside anchor of a dominant DL that included Charles Haley, Tony Tolbert and Chad Hennings.
  • WR Alvin Harper- taken in 2nd round, Harper became an immediate impact player opposite HOF WR Michael Irvin. Harper made tons of big plays in playoff games.
  • OT Erik Williams- a third rounder who became an absolute beast at RT and a favorite of the late great John Madden. A car accident shortened what would have been a HOF career.
  • DT Leon Lett- a 7th round gem, Lett was a physically dominant DT who is famous for his good and bad plays. Lett has gone on to be a pin assistant coach for the Cowboys.

Here’s hoping the 2023 draft will become one of the best drafts we’ve had and propels us to

The Cowboys have a great overall draft history. Some of the best drafts in NFL history were by the Cowboys.
Here are the 3 BEST drafts IMO:

• The 1964 Draft- easily the greatest draft in Cowboys history and one of the greatest in NFL history. A whopping 3 HOFers were in this draft. Here are some of the picks:
  • HOF CB Mel Renfro- taken in round 2. Played in 3 SBs and was a 10 time pro bowler in his 14 seasons. One of the greatest athletes in Cowboys history. A great return man as well as DB.
  • HOF WR Bob Hayes- a 7th round pick because most people thought he was just a track guy who was a gold medalist in the 100 meters in the 64 Olympics. He proved immediately in his rookie year he belonged scoring 13 TDs in one of the greatest rookie seasons in NFL history. His speed was responsible for changing the game forcing defenses to use zone coverages.
  • HOF QB Roger Staubach- because Roger had to serve a 5 year military commitment, Roger slid to the 12th round! He was not able to play until 1969 when he played as a 28 year old rookie. The greatest Cowboy played eleven seasons and won 12 playoff games including 4 NFC championships and 2 SBs.

• The 1989 draft- The first draft of the Jerry Jones era kickstarted the team toward its dominant SB run of the 90s. Jimmy Johnson was an excellent talent evaluator and this draft was his first. Several key players in the 90s run were from the ‘89 draft.
  • HOF QB Troy Aikman (the last QB the Cowboys drafted in round one) Troy won 11 playoff games, 3 NFC championships and 3 SBs. Arguably the most accurate passer to play QB.
  • Darryl “Moose” Johnston- taken in round 2, Moose became a key component to Cowboys success as a blocker for Emmitt Smith and a solid receiver out of the backfield. Also was a STs monster on punt coverage too.
  • Center Mark Stepnoski- also taken in round 2, Step became the anchor of the greatest OL to lace em up. Although undersized he used his intelligence and quickness to master the position.
  • DE Tony Tolbert- a 4th round pick from UTEP, Tolbert became an excellent pass rusher opposite HOFer Charles Haley, making the Cowboys pass rush deadly in their 90s run.

• The 1991 Draft- Jimmy Johnson once again hit on a great draft with several key players in the 90s SB run:
  • DT Russell Maryland- the first overall pick in the draft that year, Maryland became the inside anchor of a dominant DL that included Charles Haley, Tony Tolbert and Chad Hennings.
  • WR Alvin Harper- taken in 2nd round, Harper became an immediate impact player opposite HOF WR Michael Irvin. Harper made tons of big plays in playoff games.
  • OT Erik Williams- a third rounder who became an absolute beast at RT and a favorite of the late great John Madden. A car accident shortened what would have been a HOF career.
  • DT Leon Lett- a 7th round gem, Lett was a physically dominant DT who is famous for his good and bad plays. Lett has gone on to be an assistant coach for the Cowboys.

Here’s hoping the 2023 draft will become one of the best drafts we’ve had and propels us to a SB run.

Lol, one can only hope for a Leon Lett pick in the 7th round.

 

[KJJ]

What? No Dirty Dozen of 75?

That was one of the best Cowboys drafts ever. The Cowboys appeared to be in decline missing the playoffs for the first time in many years in 1974. They had 12 rookies make the team and came away with Randy White and Thomas Hollywood Henderson. That draft helped them reach three more Super Bowls.

 

[Bobhaze]

I should have mentioned in the OP that in my book, one of the first things I look at to judge a draft is what kind of impact did it have in terms of playoff wins. Which is why as good as the 2005 draft was, IMO, it cannot make the top 5 because as great as DeMarcus Ware and Marcus Spears were, they did not have a great playoff run.

 

[Flamma]

Think you gotta put 2005 in there too.

That was good too, but the fact they passed on Rodgers twice makes that draft a failure to me. I can understand the Ware pick. But Spears too? We didn't know how good Romo was going to be, and we had an aging vet way past his prime. Rodgers was the obvious choice there. But I understand some of the reasons for not drafting him.

 

[jazzcat22]

That was one of the best Cowboys draft ever. The Cowboys appeared to be in decline missing the playoffs for the first time in many years in 1974. They had 12 rookies make the team and came away with Randy White and Thomas Hollywood Henderson. That draft helped them reach three more Super Bowls.

They had 19 picks in that draft. Herb Scott was a 15th rounder. And Scott Laidlaw the 16th.

http://www.drafthistory.com/teams/cowboys.html

 

[TheMarathonContinues]

That was good too, but the fact they passed on Rodgers twice makes that draft a failure to me. I can understand the Ware pick. But Spears too? We didn't know how good Romo was going to be, and we had an aging vet way past his prime. Rodgers was the obvious choice there. But I understand some of the reasons for not drafting him.

YEAH BUT I can't knock a draft because who they could've got if they got good players. And while Spears never lived up to what we thought he was needed in order to build this defense up. They had to start from scratch when they decided to switch to the 3-4......That draft was incredible but I might be biased because osme of those guys are my favorite of all time. Loved watching Ratliff play.
Aaron is a nut case. Don't get me wrong i'd much rather have him than Romo but who knows how that marriage would've turned out. Could've been worse. Rodgers doesn't strike me as someone who gets along with a GArrett or WAde type. Or hell even Parcells lol.

 

[sunalsorises]

The 1990 draft, Emmitt alone makes that a great draft.

They got a few other solid players as well in Kenny Gant and Jimmie Jones.

The Shark!

 

[Flamma]

YEAH BUT I can't knock a draft because who they could've got if they got good players. And while Spears never lived up to what we thought he was needed in order to build this defense up. They had to start from scratch when they decided to switch to the 3-4......That draft was incredible but I might be biased because osme of those guys are my favorite of all time. Loved watching Ratliff play.
Aaron is a nut case. Don't get me wrong i'd much rather have him than Romo but who knows how that marriage would've turned out. Could've been worse. Rodgers doesn't strike me as someone who gets along with a GArrett or WAde type. Or hell even Parcells lol.

I can't argue this. But at the time what did we know? And maybe Rodgers would have had similar success as Romo, our D through those years sucked outside 2007 and 2009. But just imagine Bryce Young falling to the Saints and they don't take him because they just signed Derek Carr. That's akin to what happened.

 

[morasp]

Don't forget Super Bowl XXX MVP Larry Brown who was drafted in the 12th round in 1991 and had two interceptions of Steelers QB Neil O'Donell.