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The latest buzz surrounding the Dallas Cowboys
A look into the last five first-round draft picks for the Cowboys and how they are faring so far in the NFL.
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)
Stats since landing in Dallas: 256 total tackles, 112 quarterback hits, 63 tackles for loss, 52.5 sacks, nine forced fumbles and nine pass deflections.
Summary: Like Lamb, Parsons made an immediate impact upon joining the Cowboys. Although he was initially viewed as an off-ball linebacker, Parsons has made his presence felt as a pass rusher in the NFL. He has posted double-digit sacks in each of four seasons as a Cowboy, earning four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors. Parsons is also perennially in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year.
The do-it-all weapon is currently seeking his second contract from the Cowboys. A new deal would likely make him one of the league’s highest-paid non-quarterbacks.
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 47 games over the last three seasons, playing 3,140 snaps. Has lined up at offensive guard and offensive tackle.
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 two 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.
If the Cowboys are looking to add more depth to the safety room, they could have a good option in R.J. Mickens in the later rounds of the draft.
Where He’s Projected:
Despite finishing his Clemson career with a productive fifth season, Mickens is looked at as a Day 3 pick, with some projections even seeing him go as late as the seventh round, presenting a chance for a late-round value addition.
How He Helps the Cowboys:
If the aforementioned projection stays true, Mickens gives Dallas an option to add to their safety room that brings back all five bodies that played for them in 2024. Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson started alongside each other in all 17 games, but could the room use...
