Dallas Cowboys first-round NFL football draft pick Tyler Booker laughs during a news conference in Frisco, Texas, Friday, April 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
Gareth Patterson/AP
Just a few days remain until the NFL draft and this year the Dallas Cowboys have two first-round picks.Â
The team has generally found success with its early selections, adding Hall of Famers and key contributors throughout its long history.Â
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Dallas Cowboys first-round draft pick Micah Parsons points upward as he answers a question next to team owner Jerry Jones during a press conference introducing the linebacker from Penn State at The Star on Friday, April 30, 2021, in Frisco. (Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News)
Smiley N. Pool/Staff Photographer
How has Dallas fared in the first round in recent years? Let’s break down the Cowboys’ last five first-round draftees, starting with Micah Parsons in 2021:
2021 first-round draftee: Penn State LB Micah Parsons
Where he was drafted: 12th overall in the 2021 NFL draft (Dallas traded down from No. 10)
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Stats in Dallas: 256 total tackles, 112 quarterback hits, 63 tackles for loss, 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and nine pass deflections.
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Summary: On Aug. 28, a week before the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Dallas Cowboys sent Parsons to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a pair of first-round picks and 29-year-old defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The Cowboys received the Packers’ 2026 first-round pick and 2027 first-round pick.
On the Packers’ side, Parsons and his agent, David Mulugheta of Athletes First, also agreed to terms on a four-year, $188 million extension with Green Bay. The deal included $136 million guaranteed, making Parsons the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.qw
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Dallas Cowboys first round draft pick Tyler Smith of Tulsa, left, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones laughs at the comments from the member of the media during a press conference at the Star in Frisco on Friday, April 29, 2022.
Shafkat Anowar/Staff Photographer
2022 first-round draftee: Tulsa OL Tyler Smith
Where he was drafted: 24th overall in the 2022 NFL draft
Stats since landing in Dallas: Has started 63 games over the last four seasons, playing 4,249 snaps. Has lined up at offensive guard and offensive tackle.
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Summary: While their selection of Smith was initially met with some shock, the Cowboys have benefited from taking the North Crowley product. Smith has proven to be a versatile piece in Dallas, lining up at both left guard and left tackle. In his rookie year, Smith was immediately tasked with protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside after Tyron Smith went down with an injury. He excelled in that spot.
Smith has earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor throughout his time in Dallas. He’ll likely be a key piece of the team’s offensive line for years to come.
Dallas Cowboys rookie defensive tackle Mazi Smith (left) laughs next to owner Jerry Jones during an introductory press conference at The Star on Friday, April 28, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
ElÃas Valverde II/Staff Photographer
2023 first-round draftee: Michigan DT Mazi Smith
Where he was drafted: 26th overall in the 2023 NFL draft
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Stats in Dallas:Â 57 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and two sacks.
Summary: The Cowboys traded Mazi Smith to the New York Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. The Cowboys also sent New York a 2027 first-round pick and a 2026 second-round pick.Â
Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyler Guyton, who was drafted at No. 24 overall Thursday in the first round, speaks as owner and general manager Jerry Jones smiles and listens during a press conference introducing Guyton on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Star in Frisco.
Juan Figueroa/Staff Photographer
2024 first-round draftee: Oklahoma OL Tyler Guyton
Where he was drafted: 29th overall in the 2024 NFL draft (Dallas traded down from No. 24)
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Stats since landing in Dallas: Started 21 games over his first two seasons, playing 1,320 snaps.
Summary: Guyton faced some growing pains in his first NFL season. Although he was drafted to take over as the team’s starter at left tackle, he split snaps at the position with veteran Chuma Edoga. Guyton also battled injuries that limited his on-field impact.
In his second season, Guyton started 10 games at left tackle before he was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, ending his season.
(From left) Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker, the Dallas Cowboys’ first-round pick, smile during a press conference at The Star in Frisco on Friday, April 25, 2025. Booker was the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Juan Figueroa/Staff Photographer
2025 first-round draftee: Alabama OL Tyler Booker
Where he was drafted: 12th overall in the 2025 NFL draft
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Stats since landing in Dallas: Started 14 games in his rookie season, playing 1,002 snaps.
Summary: Booker quickly made his presence felt in Dallas, earning the team’s starting right guard role as a rookie. The Alabama product started 14 games in 2025. He’ll likely be a key member of the Cowboys’ offensive line moving forward.Â
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