The NFL Draft is a fickle process. It's not easy to separate first-round busts from late-round gems, but some teams have proven to be better at scouting and developing than others. The Dallas Cowboys are one of those teams that seem to have the process figured out. Of course, the Cowboys still missed on a few picks. Here are their last 10 first-round picks, and where they are now:
2006 - LB Bobby Carpenter, Ohio State - Pick #18
We start with one of the worst picks in Cowboys' history. Carpenter lasted just four seasons with Dallas, recording just a combined 96 tackles during that time. He was traded to the St. Louis Rams before 2010 season, but never played a down. He spent part of a season with the Miami Dolphins, two with the Detroit Lions and part of a season with the New England Patriots. He was out of the league after the 2012 season. The bust might best be known as "Barbie Carpenter," which is what Marc Columbo called him during a 2008 Hard Knocks practice.
2007 - LB Anthony Spencer, Purdue - Pick #26
The Cowboys took Spencer to pair with 2005 first rounder DeMarcus Ware, and the duo wrecked havoc for several season. While Ware did most of the damage, Spencer did rack up at least five sacks from 2009 to 2012. He had 11 in 2012, but injured his knee and played just one game in 2013. He played a little bit in 2014 as he battled through the knee injury that could have ended his career, before signing with the New Orleans Saints before this year. He was placed on IR before the season and will be a free agent this year. Injuries might end up shortening what was a solid career for Spencer. For more on Spencer, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
2008 - RB Felix Jones, Arkansas - Pick #22
Contrary to popular belief, Jerry Jones doesn't have an excess affiliation for players from Arkansas (his alma mater). Jones is the only Razorback the Cowboys have taken under Jones in the NFL Draft. Unfortunately for Dallas, Jones didn't turn out how the Cowboys expected. In his six-year NFL career, Jones never topped 800 yards rushing. He was a solid third down back, but the Cowboys were expecting more than just a compliment runner.
2008 - CB Mike Jenkins, South Florida - Pick #25
Jenkins was named to the Pro Bowl in 2009, and his future looked bright. But that five-pick season was Jenkins' ceiling, as he never has more than one pick with the Cowboys again. Injuries occasionally flared up, and the Cowboys overhauled their secondary in 2012. Jenkins left for the Oakland Raiders in 2013, and managed to pick off two passes. He moved onto the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was placed on IR after just one game in 2014. He started five games for Tampa Bay this season and will be a free agent. For more on NFL free agency, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
2010 - WR Dez Bryant, Oklahoma State - Pick #24
Bryant fell in the draft because of perceived off-the-field issues. Refusing to make the same mistake he made with Randy Moss, Jones snatched Bryant at the end of the first round. It's proven to be a wonderful selection and Bryant is the best WR the team has had since Michael Irvin. He battled injuries this season, but only a few players in the NFL have the game-changing ability Bryant has. Check out the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app for more on Bryant.
2011 - OT Tyron Smith, USC - Pick #9
The Cowboys hit another home run in the 2011 draft with Smith. He's already among the best tackles in the NFL and is still just 25 years old. He signed a team-friendly eight-year deal, and will be among the best lineman in the NFL for years to come. The selection of Smith was the first of several offensive line picks that have turned out great.
2012 - CB Morris Claiborne, LSU - Pick #6
The Cowboys said Claiborne was their highest-rated cornerback since Deion Sanders. But Claiborne hasn't lived up to those lofty expectations. He's battled injuries and ineffectiveness throughout his NFL career, although he has been better this year. He's a free agent after this season and might not be back this year. For more on the Cowboys' free agents, download the Chat Sports Android and iPhone app.
2013 - C Travis Frederick, Wisconsin - Pick #31
This pick drew criticism from many, including myself. Frederick wasn't projected to be a first rounder, but the team moved down and took him at the end of the first round. It was widely hailed as a reach, but it's worked out. Frederick is already among the best centers in the NFL. Sure, the Cowboys may have been able to get him round two, but Frederick has proven his worth.
2014 - OG Zack Martin, Notre Dame - Pick #16
The Cowboys continued to upgrade their offensive line by taking Martin. He's been a great guard for the team and should be a starter for years to come. Smith, Frederick and Martin are three of the best young linemen in the NFL. The Chat Sports Android and iPhone app has more on the Cowboys' offensive line.
2015 - DB Byron Jones, UConn - Pick #27
The Cowboys' first round pick this year, Jones looked like the best defensive back at times this season. He can play both corner and safety, although CB might be his long-term spot. Jones is still raw, but has a bright future.
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