There is a common belief that the Cowboys excel in drafting players and prioritize retaining their own talent. However, upon closer examination of their draft picks between 2014 and 2023, very few players who made the team received second contracts.
Notably, the 2015 and 2018 draft classes have no remaining players, while only one player each from the 2017 and 2019 classes remains. Additionally, none of the first or second-round picks from 2015 to 2019 are currently on the team. This raises questions about the validity of the Cowboys’ reputation for drafting and developing players.
Patrik argues that while this reputation isn’t entirely unfounded, it requires context. The Cowboys have historically shown disinterest in engaging in bidding wars during free agency, even for players they have nurtured through the draft. Comparing their success rate with draft picks to that of other teams reveals that Dallas ranks among the best in the league.
They have experienced significant hits, sometimes unexpectedly, such as with players like DaRon Bland and Donovan Wilson. Occasionally, players predicted to be disappointments have become All-Pro performers, as seen with Tyler Smith. While the Cowboys haven’t consistently dominated the draft, few teams have. Each draft class presents its challenges and opportunities, as demonstrated by the mixed outcomes of the 2023 and 2022 classes. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the broader landscape of the NFL when evaluating the Cowboys’ drafting performance.
