5 best No. 24 overall picks in NFL Draft history: Cowboys sitting pretty
History suggests the Dallas Cowboys can land a stud at No. 24
By Randy Gurzi
If history is any indicator, the Dallas Cowboys should have no problem finding talent at pick No. 24 in the 2024 NFL Draft. Throughout the years, some great players have been taken at this spot and the Cowboys themselves have had plenty of success at No. 24 which is where they landed Calvin Hill (1969), Dez Bryant (2010), and Tyler Smith (2023).
The talent pool is so deep that none of those three made the top five in league history. Other names just missing out on the list — but deserving a mention — include Josh Jacobs (Raiders in 2019), D.J. Moore (Panthers, 2018), David DeCastro (Steelers, 2021), and Johnathon Joseph (Bengals, 2006).
With those honorable mentions out of the way, let's see who made the top-five all-time at pick No. 24 in the NFL Draft.
5. Cameron Jordan, DE, California: New Orleans Saints (2011)
From the moment Cam Jordan arrived in New Orleans, he proved he belonged. He played in all 16 games for Sean Payton and started 15. He had just one sack but that proved to be the anomaly.
Jordan racked up eight sacks in year two and another 12.5 in his third season. The 6-foot-4, 287-pounder is still going at 34 years of age. He enters his 14th season in 2024 with 682 tackles and 117.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 61 pass defenses, and two interceptions on his resume. He's also the Saints' franchise sack leader.
The Saints defensive leader has been named to an All-Pro Team three times in his career and made the Pro Bowl eight times. He's been incredibly durable and it's a testament to the remaining talent on this list that he comes in at No. 5.