Here we are, on the eve of the 2024 NFL Draft, and the beleaguered fan base of the Dallas Cowboys turn their weary eyes toward The Star.
They're seeking signs of hope. A reason to believe that this season – the 29th since the last Cowboys' Super Bowl victory – will be better.
If you're reading this and looking for an affirmative answer — you've come to the wrong shop.
I lasted 30 seconds into Tuesday's Cowboys pre-Draft presser with Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, and Mike McCarthy.
I turned it off before my monitor had to pay the ultimate price. I immediately started sharpening a katana for seppuku.
There has to be less painless ways to check out rather that being a Cowboys' fan right now…
All In Again
The breaking point came after Stephen Jones claimed that they had drafted some good players last year – like T.J. Bass. One small issue: Bass was an undrafted free agent in 2023.
Then came the “we like our roster” bit that is sounding more like a broken record every day.
Then Jerry Jones jumped in and did his “We're All In!” routine. A hat tip to those reporters present who actually laughed out loud at that.
I'm not even going to try to get into the “We'd like to see more leaves fall. We'd like to see more action. It's called option quarterback” quote from Jerry.
It was in response to a question about contract extensions for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
I kept flashing back to that day in 1993 when similar nonsense spilled out of his mouth when I asked him why he waited for two losses before paying Emmitt Smith.
He says a lot of words and none of them have any meaning. That's been his M.O. for over 30 years now.
The bottom line is Tuesday's presser was more of the same nonsense about the Cowboys' current roster and their limited activity in free agency.
Toss in a side of hooey regarding the upcoming draft and where things are with contract extensions, too. Basically, it was the same rerun of “All Hat, No Cattle” at The Star.
If you started this week concerned about the state of the Cowboys, this presser did nothing to alleviate those concerns.
Nor did you come away with any real idea how the draft is going to play out over the next 80+ hours.
So, I recommend we all go “All In” on whatever adult beverage you favor. I have a feeling we're going to need the painkillers more than ever.
The No. 1 Pick
Barring nothing short of a miracle, the Chicago Bears will draft USC quarterback Caleb Williams shortly after 7 p.m. on Thursday in Detroit.
It will be the 36th draft — dating back to 1936 – that a quarterback was the first pick of the draft. It will be the eighth time in the last 10 years a quarterback has gone first.
Only defensive ends Myles Garrett (2017) and Travon Walker (2022) broke the quarterback's hold on the top spot in the last decade.
For the Trivial Pursuit crowd, Notre Dame's Angelo Bertelli was the first quarterback taken No. 1 in 1944 by the Boston Yanks.
The Cowboys have held the No. 1 pick in the draft on just three occasions.
In 1974 they drafted defensive end Ed “Too Tall” Jones out of Tennessee State. In 1989 they grabbed UCLA quarterback Troy Aikman.
In 1991 they selected Miami defensive tackle Russell Maryland.
I'd say they went 3-for-3 with the No. 1 pick.
The Cowboys First Round Pick
Barring a highly improbable trade with the Bears to grab the top spot – or an unlikely trade with the Patriots who are shopping the third pick – Dallas will go at 24.
Of course, they could move up a little bit – or even trade down all the way out of the first round. But the safe bet seems to be they stay put and pick at 24.
We'll go with that option for now.
The Cowboys have picked at #24 in four drafts since 1961.
In 1969 they selected running back Calvin Hill out of Yale. In 1992 they took East Carolina linebacker Robert Jones.
In 2010 Oklahoma State wide receiver Dez Bryant was Dallas' pick. The fourth player taken at 24 was Tulsa offensive tackle Tyler Smith in 2022.
Who will become the fifth Cowboys all-time pick at 24 on Thursday night? Right now, it could be anyone. Or no one.
Better go “all-in” and put in a double order of your beverage of choice.
I have a feeling we're all going to need it.
