Cowboys NFL Draft: Dez Bryant and How To Hit On Pick No. 24

Dallas Cowboys NFL Draft: Dez Bryant and How To Hit - As Usual! - On Pick No. 24

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys went 0-1 in the NFL Playoffs, leaving them to turn their attention to the 2024 NFL Draft with ownership in April of pick No. 24 ...

Where the Dallas Cowboys are 4-for-4.

It is written that when you are a perennially competitive team that as a result usually drafts late in the rounds, you are unlikely to "hit'' on your picks; obviously, the odds of selecting a star with a higher pick are higher.

But Dallas, dating back over the decades - a length of time that suggests that some of this is a "scientific dart throw'' - has done very well pick in this slot. To wit, a quick history lesson featuring a "monster'' or two ...

In 1969 - Calvin Hill, running back (Yale): Hill came to town with an unusual frame - 6-4, 227, largely unheard of at the time - and with that Ivy League intellect that has served him well as at age 77, as he has spent recent years in the franchise's employ as a counselor to players.

How good, how quickly, was Hill? He was named Offensive Rookie of the Year and was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie.

In 1992 - Robert Jones, linebacker (East Carolina): Dallas double-dipped in the first round in 1992, drafting cornerback Kevin Smith and then Jones, who was a rookie starter on a Super Bowl winner.

Jones won All-Rookie Team honors and was NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year nod in the NFL's best defense.

In 2010 - Dez Bryant, receiver (Oklahoma State): The Cowboys did their research on questions of Dez' background - some of the NFL's interrogations of him were downright nasty - and then traded up from No. 26 to grab the Texas native.

Cowboys Conflict: 'The Monster' vs. 'The Clapper': Dez Blasts Garrett

Bryant's "Throw Up the X!'' mantra became a "thing'' ... still is, really, as his passion for the Cowboys and his forceful personality remain a constant - complete with his recent remark about being selected at No. 24 as a "monster'' only to be coached by a "Clapper'' in Jason Garrett.

In 2022 - Tyler Smith, offensive line (Tulsa): Too many critics thought this pick was a stretch; the Cowboys knew better, confidently grabbing the big kid from Fort Worth who stepped in immediately as a rookie to make an impact at left tackle subbing for Tyron Smith and who in just his second season, now at left guard, has earned All-Pro honors.