Dallas Cowboys: Top-5 rookie performers of all-time

No. 5 Dallas Cowboys rookie: Zack Martin

With the 16th pick in the 2014 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected offensive lineman Zack Martin out of the University of Notre Dame. This pick was significant because it gave the Cowboys three first-round draft picks on the offensive line, with the others being left tackle Tyron Smith (2011) and center Travis Frederick (2013).

In his first season, Martin arguably became the best guard in football, and the Cowboys’ offensive line was widely considered one of, if not the best in the league. The hype of such a talented line didn’t disappoint, and this group led the way to a 12-4 season record, an NFC East championship, a rushing title for running back DeMarco Murray with 1,845 yards, and quarterback Tony Romo throwing for over 3,700 yards with 34 TDs to only 9 interceptions.

Martin joined Marshal Yanda of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Sitton of the Green Bay Packers on the All-Pro team. He became the first rookie since running back Calvin Hill (hint: spoiler alert) in 1969 to make the All-Pro team. The NFL All-Pro team is an ensemble of the best of the best. Accomplishing that feat as a rookie is amazing and earns Martin a spot on the list.