Between Dak Prescott’s uncertain future, CeeDee Lamb’s current contract status and a lack of high profile acquisitions, it’s been a turbulent offseason for the Dallas Cowboys and owner Jerry Jones.
And while speaking to reporters ahead of the NFL Draft on Tuesday, Jones managed to stick his foot in his mouth while commenting on the Cowboys’ current draft position.
According to longtime Cowboys beat writer Clarence Hill Jr., the 81-year-old Jones told reporters that Dallas is selecting 24th overall because it was the league’s 24th best team last season. That, of course, isn’t how the selection of the annual NFL Draft order works, as it’s the worst team that gets the No. 1 pick, with the rest of the order falling into place accordingly all the way through the Super Bowl champion at pick No. 32.
Jerry Jones said the Cowboys are picking 24th because they were the 24th best team in the NFL in 2023.
Make it make sense— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) April 23, 2024
So while the notoriously competitive Jones might have been attempting to drive home the point that his team’s roster isn’t where it needs to be, it also isn’t as far off as he might think. Based on draft order, Dallas was actually the NFL’s ninth-best team last season, although it’s certainly fair to wonder if that’s still the case following the Cowboys’ inactive offseason to this point.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.