Dallas Cowboys: The Greatest Draft Classes
The Dallas Cowboys have had some great players over the past several decades. Many of these players were secured during the NFL draft. There are some draft classes that have stood apart from the pack. These draft classes help to build the core of some of the best rosters in franchise history. I recently came across this article, which I would like to share my own thoughts on below.
Number 5: Class of 2003
The Selections:
Round 1, pick 5: Terence Newman, CB, Kansas State.
Round 2, pick 38: Al Johnson, C, Wisconsin.
Round 3, pick 69: Jason Witten, TE, Tennessee.
Round 4, pick 103: Bradie James, LB, LSU.
Round 6, pick 178: B.J. Tucker, CB, Wisconsin.
Round 6, pick 186: Zuriel Smith, WR, Hampton.
Round 7, pick 219: Justin Bates, G, Colorado.
What Makes Them Special?
Following the 2002 season, the 5-11 Dallas Cowboys were desperate for a shutdown corner. Terence Newman stepped in and made significant contributions for the better part of nine years. He made the Pro Bowl in 2007 and 2009, intercepting at least three passes in all but one season (2006). Bradie James was one of the most consistent players for the Cowboys in recent memory. He recorded at least 100 tackles in five straight seasons and led the Cowboys in tackles six times. Jason Witten has been a rock for the organization to this day. He has earned 10 trips to the Pro Bowl and will certainly be considered for the Ring of Honor some day.
Number 4: Class of 2005
The Selections:
Round 1, pick 11: DeMarcus Ware, OLB, Troy State.
Round 1, pick 20: Marcus Spears, DE, LSU.
Round 2, pick 42: Kevin Burnett, LB, Tennessee.
Round 4, pick 132: Chris Canty, DE, Virginia.
Round 6, pick 208: Justin Beriault, DB, Ball State.
Round 6, pick 209: Rob Petitti, T, Pittsburgh.
Round 7, pick 224: Jay Ratliff, DE, Auburn.
What Makes Them Special?
On his own, DeMarcus Ware makes for a spectacular draft class. Since his rookie year began, Ware has been one of the top pass rushers in the National Football League, recording 134.5 sacks during those 11 seasons and being selected to nine Pro Bowls. The last draft selection by the Cowboys in 2005, Jay Ratliff, proved to be a stellar defensive player as well. Marion Barber provided several quality years for the team, while Spears, Burnett, and Canty all proved to be great value picks as well.
Number 3: Class of 1990
The Selections:
Round 1, pick 17: Emmitt Smith, RB, Florida.
Round 2, pick 26: Alexander Wright, WR, Auburn.
Round 3, pick 64: Jimmie Jones, DT, Miami (Fla.).
Round 9, pick 221: Kenneth Gant, DB, Albany State (Ga.).
Round 11, pick 277: Dave Harper, LB, Humboldt State.
What Makes Them Special?
Although Emmitt Smith is the only notable name from the 1990 draft class, he stand alone as one of the greatest Cowboys of all time. If a team lands a running back that becomes the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and helps the team win three Super Bowls in four year, then that is good enough to put the 1990 class on the list. Let’s be honest, not many general managers would pass up the opportunity to land one of the greatest running backs in NFL history if it meant forgoing the rest of their draft picks.
Number 2: Class of 1991
The Selections:
Round 1, pick 1: Russell Maryland , DT, Miami (Fla.).
Round 1, pick 12: Alvin Harper, WR, Tennessee.
Round 1, pick 20: Kelvin Pritchett, DT, Mississippi.
Round 2, pick 37: Dixon Edwards, LB, Michigan State.
Round 3, pick 62: Godfrey Myles, LB, Florida.
Round 3, pick 64: James Richards, G, California.
Round 3, pick 70: Erik Williams , T, Central State (Ohio).
Round 4, pick 97: Curvin Richards, RB, Pittsburgh.
Round 4, pick 106: Bill Musgrave, QB, Oregon.
Round 4, pick 108: Tony Hill , DE, Tennessee-Chattanooga.
Round 4, pick 110: Kevin Harris, DE, Texas Southern.
Round 5, pick 132: Darrick Brownlow, LB, Illinois.
Round 6, pick 153: Mike Sullivan, G, Miami (Fla.).
Round 7, pick 173: Leon Lett, DE, Emporia State.
Round 9, pick 235: Damon Mays, WR, Missouri.
Round 10, pick 264: Sean Love, G, Penn State.
Round 11, pick 291: Tony Boles, RB, Michigan.
Round 12, pick 320: Larry Brown, CB, TCU.
What Makes Them Special?
The NFL draft is an exciting time of the year for any team, but it is especially special when you have 18 picks. The draft began with Jimmy Johnson grabbing one of his former Miami Players, Russell Maryland. He was one of the foundational pieces that helped the team win three Super Bowls. Lining up next to Maryland during the height of the Cowboys success was Leon Lett. The Defensive End was an absolute steal in the seventh round. Another steal for Dallas came when the landed Larry Brown in the 12th round. Brown was the starting corner for all three Super Bowls and was one of only four defensive players to win Super Bowl MVP since 1987. On offense, Erik WIlliams was one of the best pickups. He started at right tackle for one of the best offensive lines in NFL history.
Number 1: Class of 1989
The Selections:
Round 1, pick 1: Troy Aikman, UCLA
Round 2, pick 39: Daryl Johnston, Syracuse
Round 3, pick 57: Mark Stepnoski, Pittsburgh
Round 3, pick 68: Rhondy Weston, Florida
Round 4, pick 85: Tony Tolbert, UTEP
Round 5, pick 113: Keith Jennings, Clemson
Round 5, pick 119: Willis Crockett, Georgia Tech
Round 5, pick 125: Jeff Roth, Florida
Round 7, pick 168: Kevin Peterson, Northwestern
Round 8, pick 196: Charvez Foger, Nevada
Round 9, pick 224: Tim Jackson, Nebraska
Round 10, pick 252: Rod Carter, Miami (FL)
Round 11, pick 280: Randy Shannon, Miami (FL)
Round 12, pick 308: Scott Ankrom, TCU
What Makes Them Special?
Troy Aikman certainly was the crown jewel of the 1989 draft class, as a Hall of Fame quarterback who led the franchise to three Super Bowl victories. But the Cowboys did not stop there, they hit on a number of other picks as well. Johnston was a two-time Pro Bowl fullback who helped the team for 11 years. Stepnoski had a six-year stint with the Cowboys, making it to three Super Bowls during this time. The 1989 class does not get enough credit for its help as the core of the Cowboys dynasty during the 1990s. The Dallas Cowboys secured three offensive cornerstones, including their leader.
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