The NFL draft always brings hope for the future of the team we hold so dearly, and historically, the Cowboys have been amongst the best at finding value in the draft. Over the past five years, there have been some big hits in the draft, along with some big misses, but ultimately the hits have become the foundation of the future of America's team.
That being said, here are the past five first round picks the Dallas Cowboys have taken, and how they have shaken up since stepping into the spotlight:
2020 - CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver (17th Overall)
The CeeDee Lamb pick was quite obviously one of the best picks not only of the draft but of the past decade for the Cowboys. Lamb went as the third wide receiver off the board at pick 17 in the 2020 NFL Draft and remains one of two of the elite receiving options from the 2020 NFL class (the other being Justin Jefferson).
Lamb has been the alpha wide receiver No. 1 option that the Cowboys have leaned on over the past five seasons, as he put up consecutive 1,000-yard seasons in the past four years and only fell short by 65 yards in his rookie season when he was playing in the role of the wide receiver two while developing.
When Amari Cooper was traded in 2022, we saw Lamb step into his role as the top receiving option beautifully, as he cemented himself as a top-ten receiver in the NFL. Lamb had over 1,300 yards that season and became the shining light for the Cowboys' future as there was no doubt in anyone's mind that the future at the receiver position was locked down as long as Lamb had a star on his helmet.
Overall, the CeDdee Lamb pick was an exceptional one that nobody would slate as a bust.
Grade: A
2021 - Micah Parsons, Linebacker (12th Overall)
Micah Parsons is another obvious cornerstone to the Dallas Cowboys and remains one of the best young defensive players in the league. His elite athleticism, ability to get to the quarterback, and his locker room leadership are all key contributors to making him one of the most well-rounded players in the NFL.
Parsons is also a Cowboy through and through. His loyalty to the organization through thick and thin along with the sole desire to lead the defense and win games for the team and the fans, has quickly made him one of the most well-liked Cowboys players in recent history.
Since joining America's team in 2021, Parsons has won a plethora of accolades, including Defensive Rookie of the Year, (2) First Team All-Pro's, a Second Team All-Pro honor, and four straight Pro Bowls. He has gathered 52.5 sacks, with over 250 combined tackles in his four-year career, despite missing time in 2024.
In a draft class full of talent (apart from the quarterback position), Parsons remains one of the best picks in the draft.