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The 15 greatest first-round picks in Dallas Cowboys history

By Randy Gurzi

Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys, Michael Irvin (L) and Troy Aikman (R) DecePHOTO/Paul BUCK (Photo by PAUL BUCK / AFP) (Photo by PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images)
Emmitt Smith, Dallas Cowboys, Michael Irvin (L) and Troy Aikman (R) DecePHOTO/Paul BUCK (Photo by PAUL BUCK / AFP) (Photo by PAUL BUCK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Jan 16, 1972; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Lee Roy Jordan (55) and Jethro Pugh (75) react after recovering a fumble against the Miami Dolphins during Super Bowl VI at Tulane Stadium. The Cowboys defeated the Dolphins 24-3. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Lee Roy Jordan, LB, 1963

In 1961, linebacker Lee Roy Jordan helped lead the Alabama Crimson Tide to an 11-0 season that saw them win not only the SEC but the NCAA National Championship as well. They fell short of another title in 1962 as they had one loss, but Jordan did earn the MVP in their Orange Bowl win as he recorded an unbelievable 31 tackles as they knocked off Oklahoma, 17-0.

His impressive career with the Tide led to him being selected sixth overall by the Cowboys in the 1963 NFL Draft. He was also a second-round pick in the AFL Draft (14th overall) as the New England Patriots selected him in hopes he would join their league instead.

Jordan ended up heading to Dallas, where he split time with Jerry Tubbs at middle linebacker early in his career. By 1964, the job was his full-time and he never looked back.

During his 14-year career with the Cowboys, he was named to the Pro Bowl five times, while also earning two selections to the All-Pro Team — once as a First-Team selection and once on the Second-Team.

Jordan was also a huge part of their success in 1971 when they won their first-ever Super Bowl. The talented middle linebacker set a team record that year when he recorded 21 tackles in a win over the Eagles, and picked off three passes in one quarter against the Bengals.

When he retired, he was the team’s record holder for most solo tackles in a career with 743. He added 32 interceptions and 18 career fumble recoveries.

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