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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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Dec 9, 1984; Irving, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Texas Cowboys defensive tackle Randy White (54) pursues Washington Redskins running back Joe Washington (25) at Texas Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Randy White, DT, 1975

When Randy White started his collegiate career at Maryland, he was a fullback who made hardly any impact on the field. Then, in his sophomore season, he moved to the defensive line which proved to be the best thing that could have ever happened to his career.

He ended up becoming a two-time All-American and the Cowboys were impressed enough by his play to select him at No. 2 overall in 1975.

When he first arrived, there was yet another move as Tom Landry put him at middle linebacker, where he split time with Lee Roy Jordan. After two years of playing primarily on special teams, White was moved to the defensive line once again, and it ended up being another good move for him.

White excelled as a defensive tackle as he made it to the Pro Bowl in every season from 1977 through 1985. He also was selected to the First-Team All-Pro seven times during that same span. On top of that, he was named co-MVP (along with Harvey Martin) of Super Bowl XII when Dallas knocked off the Denver Broncos 27-10.

Injuries started to pile up for White, who was reduced to a reserve role in 1988. He wasn’t happy about this and decided to retire following the season since he wasn’t thrilled with his inability to affect the game as he did during his prime.

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