Top 10: Mid-Round Firsts

Ebenezer Ekuban (20th) - Some might have Ekuban on another kind of Top 10 list when it comes to first-rounders. His sack totals were down, but he was a solid player who played nine years.

1 / 10

Ebenezer Ekuban (20th) - Some might have Ekuban on another kind of Top 10 list when it comes to first-rounders. His sack totals were down, but he was a solid player who played nine years.

Alvin Harper (12th) - At No. 12 overall, you're hoping for a Pro Bowl stud, but Harper wasn't that guy. He did make big plays, including several in the playoffs.

2 / 10

Alvin Harper (12th) - At No. 12 overall, you're hoping for a Pro Bowl stud, but Harper wasn't that guy. He did make big plays, including several in the playoffs.

Kevin Smith (17th) - A solid cornerback who wasn't flashy but just sound in his technique. Before his Achilles injury in 1995, he was on his way to having a possible Pro Bowl career.

3 / 10

Kevin Smith (17th) - A solid cornerback who wasn't flashy but just sound in his technique. Before his Achilles injury in 1995, he was on his way to having a possible Pro Bowl career.

Billy Joe DuPree (20th) - One of the first true complete tight ends. He could catch, run and block. He wasn't flashy either, but very productive and durable.

4 / 10

Billy Joe DuPree (20th) - One of the first true complete tight ends. He could catch, run and block. He wasn't flashy either, but very productive and durable.

Thomas Henderson (18th) - Ok, here's your flashy. Some say that's all he was. But Henderson was one of the more athletic linebackers in the game. Off-the-field issues hurt his career.

5 / 10

Thomas Henderson (18th) - Ok, here's your flashy. Some say that's all he was. But Henderson was one of the more athletic linebackers in the game. Off-the-field issues hurt his career.

Mel Renfro (17th) - Hard to say Renfro is fifth on any list. The 10-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame defensive back was a steal at No. 17 back in 1964.

6 / 10

Mel Renfro (17th) - Hard to say Renfro is fifth on any list. The 10-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame defensive back was a steal at No. 17 back in 1964.

DeMarcus Ware (11th) - Assuming he stays healthy, Ware will also likely have 10 Pro Bowls under his belt and could be headed for Canton. The Cowboys chose him over Shawne Merriman.

7 / 10

DeMarcus Ware (11th) - Assuming he stays healthy, Ware will also likely have 10 Pro Bowls under his belt and could be headed for Canton. The Cowboys chose him over Shawne Merriman.

Michael Irvin (11th) - This was Tom Landry's last first-round pick in 1988. Who knew at the time he'd be paired up with his college coach and Troy Aikman the following year.

8 / 10

Michael Irvin (11th) - This was Tom Landry's last first-round pick in 1988. Who knew at the time he'd be paired up with his college coach and Troy Aikman the following year.

Bob Lilly (13th) - Mr. Cowboy was quite a pick for the young Cowboys squad back in 1961. Turned out to be the team's defensive leader for years.

9 / 10

Bob Lilly (13th) - Mr. Cowboy was quite a pick for the young Cowboys squad back in 1961. Turned out to be the team's defensive leader for years.

Emmitt Smith (17th) - Who else? He was short, small and not very fast. Yet the Cowboys knew he could be special. The all-time rushing leader in NFL history suggests that.

10 / 10

Emmitt Smith (17th) - Who else? He was short, small and not very fast. Yet the Cowboys knew he could be special. The all-time rushing leader in NFL history suggests that.

Advertising

This Ad will close in 3

Advertising

gallery

Dallas Cowboys Offseason Program: Phase 1 | 2024

Views from the Dallas Cowboys 2024 voluntary offseason workout program from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

gallery

Rank'Em: Cowboys have had MVP finalist 23 times

Dak Prescott was the most recent MVP finalist in team history, finishing second for the prestigious award. Here's the list of 23 other occasions the Cowboys have had a finalist.