{"id":260845,"date":"2026-04-22T07:58:16","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:58:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/260845\/"},"modified":"2026-04-22T07:58:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T07:58:16","slug":"how-dallas-cowboys-last-five-first-round-picks-have-fared","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/260845\/","title":{"rendered":"How Dallas Cowboys&#8217; last five first-round picks have fared"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img alt=\"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)\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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)<\/p>\n<p>Gareth Patterson\/AP<\/p>\n<p>Just a few days remain until the NFL draft and this year the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Dallas Cowboys<\/a> have two first-round picks.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The team has generally found success with its early selections, adding Hall of Famers and key contributors throughout its long history.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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)\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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)<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n<p>How has Dallas fared in the first round in recent years? Let&#8217;s break down the Cowboys&#8217; last five first-round draftees, starting with Micah Parsons in 2021:<\/p>\n<p>2021 first-round draftee: Penn State LB Micah Parsons<\/p>\n<p>Where he was drafted: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2021\/04\/29\/cowboys-trade-down-select-penn-state-lb-micah-parsons-with-the-no-12-overall-pick-in-the-nfl-draft\/\" data-link=\"native\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2021\/04\/29\/cowboys-trade-down-select-penn-state-lb-micah-parsons-with-the-no-12-overall-pick-in-the-nfl-draft\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">12th overall in the 2021 NFL draft<\/a> (Dallas traded down from No. 10)<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Stats in Dallas: 256 total tackles, 112 quarterback hits, 63 tackles for loss, 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and nine pass deflections.<\/p>\n<p>Make Dallas News a preferred source so your search results prioritize writing by actual people, not AI.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=dallasnews.com\" data-link=\"native\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"Add Preferred Source\" class=\"td300 cp f aic jcc disabled:cd wsn px24 y40px px16 py8 buttonSm fs13 xs:fs16 xs:buttonLg bg-primaryAccessible hover:o80 c-white disabled:bg-gray300 disabled:c-gray600 border bn tac br2\"><\/p>\n<p>Add Preferred Source<\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Summary: On Aug. 28, a week before the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2025\/08\/29\/why-cowboys-trade-micah-parsons-packers-jerry-jones\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">the Dallas Cowboys sent Parsons to the Green Bay Packers<\/a> in exchange for a pair of first-round picks and 29-year-old defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The Cowboys received the Packers&#8217; 2026 first-round pick and 2027 first-round pick.<\/p>\n<p>On the Packers&#8217; 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<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Shafkat Anowar\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n<p>2022 first-round draftee: Tulsa OL Tyler Smith<\/p>\n<p>Where he was drafted: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2022\/04\/28\/cowboys-take-former-tulsa-ot-tyler-smith-at-no-24-overall-in-nfl-draft\/\" data-link=\"native\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2022\/04\/28\/cowboys-take-former-tulsa-ot-tyler-smith-at-no-24-overall-in-nfl-draft\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">24th overall in the 2022 NFL draft<\/a><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>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&#8217;s blindside after Tyron Smith went down with an injury. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2024\/08\/04\/after-playing-lt-and-lg-cowboys-tyler-smith-says-he-prefers-to-grow-at-this-spot\/\" data-link=\"native\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2024\/08\/04\/after-playing-lt-and-lg-cowboys-tyler-smith-says-he-prefers-to-grow-at-this-spot\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">He excelled in that spot.<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Smith has earned three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro honor throughout his time in Dallas. He&#8217;ll likely be a key piece of the team&#8217;s offensive line for years to come.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n<p>2023 first-round draftee: Michigan DT Mazi Smith<\/p>\n<p>Where he was drafted: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2023\/04\/27\/cowboys-select-former-michigan-dt-mazi-smith-at-no-26-overall-in-nfl-draft\/\" data-link=\"native\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2023\/04\/27\/cowboys-select-former-michigan-dt-mazi-smith-at-no-26-overall-in-nfl-draft\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">26th overall in the 2023 NFL draft<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Stats in Dallas:\u00a057 tackles, seven tackles for loss, six quarterback hits and two sacks.<\/p>\n<p>Summary: The Cowboys<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2025\/11\/04\/dallas-cowboys-quinnen-williams-new-york-jets-nfl-trade-deadline\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> traded Mazi Smith<\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n<p>2024 first-round draftee: Oklahoma OL Tyler Guyton<\/p>\n<p>Where he was drafted: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2024\/04\/25\/dallas-cowboys-select-oklahoma-ot-tyler-guyton-at-no-24-overall-in-2024-nfl-draft\/\" data-link=\"native\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2024\/04\/25\/dallas-cowboys-select-oklahoma-ot-tyler-guyton-at-no-24-overall-in-2024-nfl-draft\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">29th overall in the 2024 NFL draft<\/a> (Dallas traded down from No. 24)<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Stats since landing in Dallas: Started 21 games over his first two seasons, playing 1,320 snaps.<\/p>\n<p>Summary: Guyton <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2024\/12\/13\/tyler-guyton-dallas-cowboys-draft-bryce-young\/\" data-link=\"native\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2024\/12\/13\/tyler-guyton-dallas-cowboys-draft-bryce-young\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">faced some growing pains in his first NFL season.<\/a> Although he was drafted to take over as the team&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p>In his second season, Guyton started 10 games at left tackle before he was placed on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2025\/12\/24\/dallas-cowboys-tyler-guyton-injured-reserve-justin-barron-corey-ballentine\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">ending his season.<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"(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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>(From left) Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Booker, the Dallas Cowboys&#8217; 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.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/Staff Photographer<\/p>\n<p>2025 first-round draftee: Alabama OL Tyler Booker<\/p>\n<p>Where he was drafted: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/2025\/04\/24\/dallas-cowboys-select-alabama-ol-tyler-booker-with-12th-overall-pick-in-2025-nfl-draft\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">12th overall in the 2025 NFL draft<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775031754_150_rawImage.jpg\" alt=\"image\" title=\"#\" class=\"x100\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall c-gray600\">By signing up, you agree to our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/terms\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"underlinedButton fw500 tuo1px tdu tuo2px tdc-secondary tdt-px hover:o70 td300\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Terms Of Use<\/a> and acknowledge that your information will be used as described in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/privacy\/\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"underlinedButton fw500 tuo1px tdu tuo2px tdc-secondary tdt-px hover:o70 td300\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Privacy Policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Stats since landing in Dallas: Started 14 games in his rookie season, playing 1,002 snaps.<\/p>\n<p>Summary: Booker quickly made his presence felt in Dallas, earning the team&#8217;s starting right guard role as a rookie. The Alabama product started 14 games in 2025. He&#8217;ll likely be a key member of the Cowboys&#8217; offensive line moving forward.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/\" data-link=\"native\" title=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/cowboys\/\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"> Find more Cowboys coverage from The Dallas Morning News here <\/a> .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Dallas Cowboys first-round NFL football draft pick Tyler Booker laughs during a news conference in Frisco, Texas, Friday,&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":260846,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[102,104,103,93042,87995,88229],"class_list":{"0":"post-260845","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-dallas","8":"tag-dallas","9":"tag-dallas-headlines","10":"tag-dallas-news","11":"tag-tp-dallas-cowboys","12":"tag-tp-sports","13":"tag-tp-nfl"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260845","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=260845"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260845\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/260846"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=260845"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=260845"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=260845"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}