Since 1989, the Dallas Cowboys have only used a top-100 pick on a wide receiver or running back just 18 times.
Their philosophy has generally prioritized linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs in the early rounds, widely ignoring the skill positions: running back and wide receiver (I purposely left out tight end).
A mixed bag of Hall of Famers, solid contributors, and outright busts are in those 18 players, but why have the Cowboys ignored those positions with early draft picks all this time?
You would think that it got better under Will McClay, but it’s actually gotten worse.
Since McClay has taken on a larger role in the draft in 2014, the Cowboys have only selected four skill players in the top-100 picks of the draft.
For perspective, the much-maligned father-son duo of Jerry Jones and Stephen Jones selected five such players in the 10 years prior.
With WR CeeDee Lamb currently carrying much of the offensive load, the Cowboys could benefit from adding another playmaker to complement him. Here’s a breakdown of notable picks in that span.
Hall of Famers & All-Pros
While the Cowboys have been selective with early-round picks at wide receiver and running back, they’ve still managed to land some generational talents, and others who flashed great potential for a short time.
RB Emmitt Smith
Drafted: 1990, 17th overall
The crown jewel of Cowboys’ running backs, Smith became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, winning three Super Bowls and an MVP award. This was a home run pick and one of the best selections in franchise history.
WR Dez Bryant
Drafted: 2010, 24th overall
One of the most electrifying receivers in Cowboys history, Bryant was a three-time Pro Bowler and an All-Pro in 2014 when he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns. His tenure had ups and downs, but at his peak, he was dominant.
RB DeMarco Murray
Drafted: 2011, 71st overall
A fantastic value pick, Murray became a Pro Bowl-caliber running back and won the NFL rushing title in 2014. However, his time in Dallas was relatively short-lived.
RB Ezekiel Elliott
Drafted: 2016, 4th overall
Zeke immediately proved his worth, leading the league in rushing yards twice while earning multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. Though his production declined in later years, his early impact helped Dallas remain competitive.
WR CeeDee Lamb
Drafted: 2020, 17th overall
Lamb has already developed into one of the league’s premier wide receivers, making multiple Pro Bowls and establishing himself as the Cowboys’ top offensive weapon in recent years.
The Average Joes
While these players didn’t reach superstar status, they were still valuable contributors who played key roles for the Cowboys at various points.
WR Alvin Harper
Drafted: 1991, 12th overall
A solid No. 2 receiver behind Michael Irvin, Harper had key moments in the Cowboys’ Super Bowl runs but never became a true star.
WR Kevin Williams
Drafted: 1993, 46th overall
A useful player, Williams had some impact as a receiver but made a bigger name for himself as a return specialist, helping the Cowboys maintain their dominance in the early ‘90s.
WR Terrance Williams
Drafted: 2013, 74th overall
Never a star, Williams still played a solid complementary role opposite Dez Bryant for several seasons. His numbers weren’t eye-popping, but he had key moments, particularly in the playoffs.
WR Michael Gallup
Drafted: 2018, 81st overall
Injuries slowed him into retirement, but Gallup was a serviceable receiver, particularly in the early years when he showed promise as a deep threat.
The Underachievers
Unfortunately, not every high pick pans out. Some of the Cowboys’ WR and RB selections in the top 100 have simply failed to meet expectations.
RB Sherman Williams
Drafted: 1995, 46th overall
Drafted to complement Emmitt Smith, Williams never lived up to his billing, struggling to find a meaningful role in the offense.
WR Antonio Bryant
Drafted: 2002, 63rd overall
A talented receiver with attitude issues, Bryant showed flashes of potential but was traded away before he could truly establish himself in Dallas.
RB Julius Jones
Drafted: 2004, 43rd overall
Jones had some productive years but was inconsistent and never became the long-term solution at running back that Dallas had hoped for.
RB Felix Jones
Drafted: 2008, 22nd overall
Drafted as a speedster to complement Marion Barber, Jones had his moments but never became a feature back or justified his first-round status.
WR Jalen Tolbert
Drafted: 2022, 88th overall
Still early in his career, but WR Jalen Tolbert has yet to make a significant impact and needs to prove he can be a reliable contributor.
The Will McClay Era: A Shift in Draft Philosophy
Since Will McClay took on a larger role in the Cowboys’ draft strategy in 2014, the team has made only four top-100 selections at wide receiver or running back:
- Ezekiel Elliott
- Michael Gallup
- CeeDee Lamb
- Jalen Tolbert
McClay’s approach has emphasized building the offensive and defensive lines early in the draft, leaving running backs and wide receivers as lower priorities unless an elite talent like Lamb or Elliott is available.
Other Top-100 Picks Not Featured
While the above list highlights the most notable successes and failures, a few other top-100 picks at wide receiver and running back didn’t make the cut for in-depth discussion. Here are the remaining names:
- WR Alexander Wright
- RB Curvin Richards
- WR Jimmy Smith
- WR Stepfret Williams
Projected 2025 NFL Draft Targets
As the Cowboys look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, several running backs and wide receivers projected to be top-100 picks have been linked to the team:
- RB Ashton Jeanty
- RB Cam Skattebo
- RB Quinshon Judkins
- RB Dylan Sampson
- RB Kaleb Johnson
- WR Tetairoa McMillan
- WR Luther Burden III
- WR Emeka Egbuka
- WR Savion Williams
- WR Matthew Golden