The Dallas Cowboys are set to pick at No. 12 in the upcoming NFL draft, a position they've successfully navigated in previous years. Historically, they have excelled at selecting impactful players from this draft slot.
Key points
Dallas Cowboys set to pick at No. 12 in the NFL draft
Several teams have multiple first-round picks this year
Cowboys have a strong history of success at No. 12 pick
Previous notable selection includes DT Danny Noonan in 1987
Dallas CowboysNew York JetsNew York GiantsCleveland Browns
The curtain goes up on Thursday night for the Dallas Cowboys and a large handful of the NFL's 32 teams. This is an interesting draft year, as several teams have bailed on the first round in favor of veteran acquisitions, leaving six teams with multiple first-round picks this year.
The New York Jets, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns and Kansas City Chiefs all have Top 10 picks and second selections later in the round. The Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys join the club soon after, with Dallas set to select their first player at No. 12 overall. It's a position they've been in four times before.
Although the edict that those who don't know their history are doomed to repeat it is a strong life tenet, it doesn't necessarily mean that what comes next is pre-ordained. Still, it's fun to look back and taking a glance at how the Cowboys have managed their draft capital when in a similar position.
To wit, the Cowboys have been very, very good at picking in the No. 12 slot.
Nov 6, 1988; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants left guard Billy Ard (67) in action against Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Danny Noonan (73) at Giants Stadium during the 1988 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photots-USA TODAY Sports
Q&A
What is the significance of the Cowboys' No. 12 pick in the draft?
The No. 12 pick is significant for the Cowboys as they have a strong history of selecting successful players from this position in past drafts.
Which teams have multiple first-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft?
The New York Jets, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Kansas City Chiefs all have multiple first-round picks in the 2023 NFL draft.
Who did the Cowboys select with the No. 12 pick in previous drafts?
In 1987, the Cowboys selected defensive tackle Danny Noonan with the No. 12 pick, showcasing their historical success at this draft position.
How many times have the Cowboys picked at No. 12 in the NFL draft?
The Cowboys have picked at the No. 12 slot four times in their draft history.
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Nov 6, 1988; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; FILE PHOTO; New York Giants left guard Billy Ard (67) in action against Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Danny Noonan (73) at Giants Stadium during the 1988 season. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photots-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys finished the 1986 season with a record of 7-9, and selected defensive lineman Danny Noonan out of Nebraska. Noonan had an elongated holdout, and was eventually moved inside from end to tackle. He had 7.5 sacks his second year (career high) and ended up playing for Dallas into the 1992 season, when he was released to make room on the roster for Russell Maryland.
Jan 31, 1993; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Alvin Harper (80) and quarterback Troy Aikman (8) celebrate on the field against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 52-17. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 1993; Pasadena, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Alvin Harper (80) and quarterback Troy Aikman (8) celebrate on the field against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVII at the Rose Bowl. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 52-17. Mandatory Credit: RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys finished with a 7-9 record again in 1990, though whereas the 1986 mark was a sign of decline, Dallas was in the middle of establishing their great dynasty. Harper emerged out of Tennessee to be the WR2 opposite Michael Irvin and helped round out the passing game for the club. Harper will always be remembered for his 70-yard slant and run against the San Fran 49ers in the 1992 NFC Championship game.
A true deep threat, he lead the NFL in yards per reception in 1994 at a whopping 24.9, but that was his final season in Dallas before he moved on to Tampa Bay in free agency.
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 22: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys lays on a training table during the second half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 22: Micah Parsons #11 of the Dallas Cowboys lays on a training table during the second half of the NFL Preseason 2025 game against the Atlanta Falcons at AT&T Stadium on August 22, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
The Cowboys finished 2020 with a 6-10 record, but traded down from the No. 10 slot to No. 12 to pick up an extra third-rounder.
Because of the COVID year of 2020, fans didn't know what they should've expected when the club drafted Parsons. He was primarily an off-ball linebacker in the 2019 season at Penn State, and many thought the Cowboys overdrafted the player because that position isn't as valuable as others. The front office nailed the projection and he was by far the best edge rusher in the draft. He set an NFL record for sacks in his first four years out of college, 52.5. Parsons finished Top-3 in defensive player of the year honors each of his first three seasons, with two First-Team (and one Second-Team) All-Pro nods.
Famously, a contract dispute ended his Dallas career after just four seasons, and he's now in Green Bay.
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Tyler Booker is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number twelve pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Apr 24, 2025; Green Bay, WI, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Tyler Booker is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number twelve pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Cowboys finished 7-10 in 2024, and ended up with the No. 12 pick to select the Alabama offensive guard. While some had issue with selecting an interior lineman so high, it looks like it was a strong pick as Booker had an impressive rookie year. After the retirement of right guard Zack Martin, the club needed a vocal leader to galvanize the rest of a young unit, and Booker fits that role with precision.
He logged over 1,000 snaps as a rookie and had a PFF run-blocking grade of 76.8, second best on a team that had a 1,200-yard rusher. He has some work to do in pass protection, but he wasn't a flag magnet as a rookie, indicative of his solid technique. Booker will likely be on the All-Rookie team; Dallas is certainly happy with their selection.
