The Dallas Cowboys face critical decisions in the 2026 NFL Draft with picks No. 12 and No. 20, following a decline in their drafting success during the Mike McCarthy era. This article highlights the team's ten worst first-round draft picks under Jerry Jones.
The Dallas Cowboys have two opportunities to get things spectacularly right in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, given their recent track record, they also have two chances to royally screw up. Dallas' reputation as a top-tier drafting organization took a major hit in the Mike McCarthy era, after flourishing in the 2010s.
There were misses here and there, but the club generally reaped Pro Bowl appearances and All-Pro nominations based on the work they did in the first round. The misses though? They are definitely warnings heading into next week's haul where Dallas has both the No. 12 and No. 20 pick. Here's a look at the worst first-round picks of the Jerry Jones era.
Jul 26, 2025; Oxnard, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyler Guyton (60) interviews fans at training camp at the River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
We haven't reach this point just yet, but ears are certainly perked up to hear whether or not Guyton will start to realize his ceiling in 2026. Injuries have robbed him of important prep time AND game reps, which have many starting to question whether he's built for the rigors of the NFL. Guyton is getting another year to prove the improvements many saw last camp can stick and help him grow, because his max out potential is worthy of his draft status. But this is a results-oriented business, not one based on potential.
IRVING - NOVEMBER 22: Greg Ellis #98 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during the NFL game against the New York Jets at Texas Stadium on November 22, 2007 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ellis wasn't a bad pick by any stretch of the imagination. He wasn't an All-Pro, but 176 games played with 84 career sacks is an extremely solid career. The problem here is he isn't Randy Moss, whom the entire universe, including Moss himself, thought was destined for Dallas.
Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones (28) runs with the ball during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Browns 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Jones wasn't a bad draft pick, but he certainly didn't last long in the league. he ended his career with just 617 rushing attempts and 2,912 rush yards, while catching 136 passes for another 1,125 yards. He totaled 14 career touchdowns and was in Dallas for five of his six career seasons.
Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) celebrates a turnover against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas actually had two first-round picks in 2008, thanks to trading out of the first in the Steven Jackson mishap. Neither flourished. Jenkins stuck around the league for a little bit and had 10 career interceptions in his 101 games played.
10 Sep 2000: #96 Ebenezer Ekuban of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during the Cowboys v Cardinals game in which the Cardinals defeated the Cowboys 32-31 at Sun Devil Stadium, Tempe, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Harry How/ALLSPORT
The Cowboys followed up the Ellis pick in 1999 with Ekuban the following year out of North Carolina. This one was on. theplayer, though, as he talled just 36.5 sacks over his nine-year career.
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) escapes the grasp of Dallas Cowboys linebacker Bobby Carpenter (right) in the second quarter. The Giants defeated the Cowboys, 31-24, at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey, Sunday, December 6, 2009. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/MCT via Getty Images)
The Cowboys plucked Carpenter out of Ohio State in 2006 under Bill Parcells, but the vision was never rewarded. Carpenter lasted in the league for 93 games, but he started just 10 contests and only three in his four years in Dallas.
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This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: Cowboys' 10 worst 1st-round draft picks in Jerry Jones era
The article lists the ten worst first-round draft picks made by the Dallas Cowboys during Jerry Jones' tenure, highlighting their impact on the team's reputation.
The Cowboys' drafting success has declined during the Mike McCarthy era, contrasting with their more successful draft history in the 2010s.
The Dallas Cowboys have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, specifically the No. 12 and No. 20 selections.
The upcoming NFL Draft is crucial for the Cowboys as they aim to improve their draft track record and avoid repeating past mistakes.
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