October 8, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

[Clarence Hill Jr. on X]

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.