Dallas Cowboys: 15 best draft-day steals of all-time
By Brad Weiss
Best draft-day steals by the Dallas Cowboys of all-time: 14. Mel Renfro
1964 NFL Draft: Round 2, Pick No. 17
In the history of the Cowboys franchise, there are few players who put together the kind of career that Mel Renfro did. A second-round pick of the team back in 1964, Renfro would become one of the best players in team history. He brought home two Super Bowl rings, while doing all of it after changing positions once he got to the NFL.
Renfro was a standout running back during his time at Oregon, but once he put on the Cowboys uniform, he was quickly moved to the defensive backfield. While he would get to play running back for a short time early in his career, his living would be made playing safety and cornerback for the Cowboys, and playing it well.
At the beginning of his career, Renfro made the switch from running back to safety, but by year five, he would move over to the cornerback spot. Renfro would flourish in his new role, becoming a leader on the Cowboys defense and nabbing over 50 interceptions during his illustrious NFL career.
His 52 career interceptions is still the best in franchise history, with Everson Walls coming in at No. 2 with 44.
A 10-time Pro Bowler playing his entire 14-year career for Dallas, Renfro was seven times named an All-Pro, while delivering wins in Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII.
A member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, Renfro led the NFL in interceptions back in 1969 with 10. Renfro is also a member of the Cowboys Ring of Honor for his on-field contributions playing for America’s Team.