3 Cowboys selected by Jerry Jones named 'best ever' at respective draft position

The Dallas Cowboys, despite facing criticism for various operational aspects under owner Jerry Jones, are recognized for assembling an excellent scouting staff. This has contributed to a high regular-season winning percentage achieved without significant outside spending, relying heavily on developing homegrown talent.

This success is highlighted by ESPN's Ben Solak ranking the top draft picks at every slot, where three Cowboys selections made the list: tight end Jason Witten (drafted 69th), running back DeMarco Murray (drafted 71st), and defensive tackle Jay Ratliff (drafted 224th). Solak argued Witten, a potential Hall of Famer with franchise records in receptions and yardage over 17 seasons, surpassed players like Cooper Kupp due to his era-defining play for the 2000s Cowboys.

Murray earned the top spot at pick 71 primarily due to his exceptional 2014 season, where he set the Cowboys' single-season rushing record with 1,845 yards and amassed 449 total touches, the sixth-highest in NFL history. Ratliff, a seventh-round pick, developed into a trusted starter as an undersized nose tackle under coach Wade Phillips.

The article also lists other notable Cowboys draft picks at various slots, including Steve Wisniewski (No. 29 in 1989, traded immediately) and selections made before Jones' ownership: Herschel Walker (No. 114), Eugene Lockhart (No. 152), Rayfield Wright (No. 182), Kevin Gogan (No. 206), and Garry Cobb (No. 247).