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The 5 best overall draft classes in Dallas Cowboys history

By Lucas Mascherin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Mike McCarthy, head coach of the Dallas Cowboys speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Cowboys, Jason Witten
Sep 15, 2019; Landover, MD, USA; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) stands on the field during warmups prior to the Cowboys’ game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. player. 123. . . . Class of 2003 (32.29 wav/pick)

Jerry Jones lured Bill Parcells out of retirement to coach America’s Team after three straight 5-11 seasons under Dave Campo. With a new head coach and an owner eager to return to championship success, the front office nailed the 2003 NFL Draft.

The team brought along seven players through the draft. None are in the Hall of Fame, but one could get enshrined in the class of 2026. There are a combined two First-Team All-Pro seasons and 13 Pro Bowl seasons.

While there are two big stars in this draft class, it’s tough to outshine tight end, Jason Witten. The third-round selection out of Tennessee embodies the prototypical all-around tight end. He could block, catch, and run routes, but don’t expect him to outrun anyone.

His star-studded career got awarded two First-Team All-Pro nods and 11 Pro Bowl appearances. Witten played almost entirely with the Cowboys from 2003 to 2020. The tight end took a year off due to retirement in 2018 and had a one-year stint with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. He collected 70+ catches in nine seasons, finishing his career with the fourth-most in NFL history. Witten also passed 1,000 receiving yards four times. Despite the many different quarterbacks throwing him the ball, Mr. Reliable lived up to his name.

The “big star” of each draft is usually the first-rounder. That wasn’t the case in this year’s draft, but the Cowboys did find a very talented cornerback in Terrence Newman. The Kansas State product loved getting his hands on the ball, knocking down 15+ passes in four of his nine seasons in Dallas. Newman played three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and three more with the Minnesota Vikings before calling it a career. He only earned two Pro Bowl nods during his 15-season career but was one of the more reliable cornerbacks.

Nine-year Cowboy Beadie James got drafted in the fourth round in this class. He never earned a Pro Bowl selection but had five consecutive 100+ tackle seasons. That’s highlighted by his 2008 season when he racked up 8.0 sacks and 117 tackles.

Center Al Johnson got drafted out of Wisconsin in the second round. He started for the Cowboys for two seasons before Andrew Gurode switched to center and took the starting job in 2006. Johnson would start for the Arizona Cardinals in 2007 but got buried on depth charts after that.

Dallas’ two sixth-round players combined for 19 games played. They were defensive back B.J. Tucker and wideout Zuriel Smith. In the seventh round, Colorado product Justin Bates heard his name but never played in an NFL game.

Note: QB. Tony Romo is not included in this class because he was signed as an undrafted free agent. Only players drafted by the Cowboys are included.

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