Jason Garrett’s Greatest Dallas Cowboys Draft Hits

Sep 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey (5) runs off the field after making an extra point in the game against the New Orleans Saints at AT&T Stadium. Dallas beat New Orleans 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Ben Gardner is another pick I’ve gone with on potential. He too missed his rookie year because of injury, and were it not for the injury prone label he viably would’ve been drafted much higher than the seventh round.

With Stanford graduates you can usually rely on them being tough, intelligent defenseman and Gardner doesn’t disappoint. Rod Marinelli demands an intensity from his players, and Gardner has exactly the type of motor and determination to suit. Although drafted as a defensive end, it’s possible he’ll see time in 2015 inside at defensive tackle with players seemingly lining up everywhere in OTA’s and minicamp.

"“At Stanford, I was a little bit bigger, a little heavier, playing more inside. Now I’m pretty much strictly outside. I’m a little lighter, a little faster. Now I’m able to get up the field a little more. I have a little more freedom to rush the passer. I think it’s a great scheme for defensive linemen. It really puts us in position to make plays. It’s on us to go out there and do it each week.”- Ben Gardner"

The Cowboys defensive line has gone from worrying to potentially solid within two drafts. While nothing is determined yet, and players still have to fight for their place and show their worth, the Cowboys defensive cup is for once half full.

The Cowboys have an impressive history of undrafted players. Under Garrett though the decision was really between Cole Beasley or Dan Bailey. The receiver out of SMU had a real journey in 2014. From a fumble which caused a rumble on social media:

To a photo which made him a fan favourite all within the space of a few days!

His 2014 catch reception rate of 77.1% is the fourth highest among receivers with more than 40 targets. If the Cowboys are third and short, you can rely on Romo to Beasley. As good as Beasley is though, and as important a weapon he will continue to be, it was impossible to have anyone other than Dan Bailey for the undrafted pick.

Going undrafted in 2011, he signed with the Cowboys soon after. Bailey trails Ravens kicker Justin Tucker as the player with the best percentage of field goals made in their careers. Bailey has made 89.764% to Tucker’s 89.815%. In 2014 Bailey set the record for the most consecutive field goals in franchise history.

As a Cowboys fan, you know that a game can turn on a dime. A 50 yard kick with seconds left on the clock would be too much for many teams. But that’s because they haven’t got a Dan the Superman Bailey.

Next: Dallas Cowboys Rookie Randy Gregory Is Using Whataburger To Beef Up