Jason Garrett’s Greatest Dallas Cowboys Draft Hits

Dec 9, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (21) before the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The majority of draftniks didn’t even have Anthony Hitchen’s on their draft boards. He wasn’t considered a fourth rounder by anyone other than the Cowboys. And even they can’t have expected him to be as effective as he was.

He wasn’t a Sean Lee replacement and he won’t be the dominant presense of Rolando McClain but with 73 tackles in his first year, he’ll be an important rotational player going forward.

Neither the 2011 or 2012 fifth round picks are on the roster anymore, Devin Street hasn’t had an impact on the side and at defensive end Ryan Russell will be limited to few reps. Meanwhile, 2015 could be the year Joseph Randle breaks out.

With a career average of 4.8 yards per attempt and five touchdowns to boot, he’s primed to go toe to toe with Darren McFadden for that lead back role.

"“I can’t say who is going to be the lead dog right now, but those guys are going to compete and we’re going to do what’s necessary to win games.”- Gary Brown, running backs coach"

This was a tough decision. James Hanna does so much of the ‘dirty work’ on the offense. Just 16% of the plays he was involved in last season were either receptions or running passing routes. He’s an astute run blocker and it’s often overlooked how incredibly athletic he is. The acquisition of Geoff Swaim a blocking tight end from Texas will put pressure on Hanna to show progression.

Dwayne Harris has been described as the biggest loss to the Cowboys team this season. The specials teams ace is now in New York courtesy of a significant pay rise. Understandably the Cowboys wouldn’t commit to pay someone they see predominantly as a special teamer that kind of money, but he will be missed.

Next: Round Seven & Undrafted Gems