How the Cowboys’ First-Round Picks From 2021–25 Shaped the Roster
Drafting in the first round is where franchises define their future, and the Dallas Cowboys have leaned heavily on premium picks to shape their roster over the past five years.
From cornerstone stars to developmental projects and major trade pieces, Dallas’ recent first-round selections reflect both ambition and evolution.
Here’s a look back at how those picks performed and where they stand today.
2025 Draft
Tyler Booker // Pick 12 (Guard – Alabama)
Tyler Booker established a strong rookie campaign, appearing in 15 games as a starter and missing only two due to a high ankle sprain. The Alabama product was named to the Pro Football Writers Association (PFWA) All-Rookie team, becoming the first Cowboy to earn a spot on the roster since 2022.
Booker ranked third among all offensive linemen in pressure rate (5.9%) and allowed the fewest quarterback pressures (17) and the second-fewest sacks (1.5) when facing a defender one-on-one. On the ground, Booker helped Dallas’ offensive line generate space for an average of 125.6 yards per game.
Pro Bowl guard Tyler Smith described Booker as one of the best rookies he’s ever seen.
“I think his [Year 2] jump could be astronomical, bro,” Smith said.
“I’ll be honest: he’s one of the best rookies, at least in my time here, and I’m only in Year 4, but he’s one of the best rookies we ever had.”
2024 Draft
Tyler Guyton // Pick 29 (Tackle – Oklahoma)
It’s been a tougher path for the Oklahoma product. Guyton was drafted following the departure of Tyron Smith, who left via free agency. An unfavorable training camp diverted his journey, shifting him to backup left tackle behind Chuma Edoga to start the 2024 season. An injury to Edoga opened an opportunity for Guyton, who went on to start until Edoga returned in Week 14.
Guyton appeared in the season finale, culminating in 15 game appearances during his rookie season. The following campaign saw Guyton start in all 10 of his appearances before a season-ending ankle injury placed him on injured reserve.
2023 Draft
Mazi Smith // Pick 26 (Defensive Tackle – Michigan)
Selected with the 26th overall pick, Smith was meant to complement Micah Parsons on the defensive front. Smith appeared in 17 games as a rookie, starting three contests, and recorded 13 total tackles, including one sack. The Cowboys clinched a wild-card berth before falling to the Green Bay Packers. A year later, Smith posted 41 tackles, including 22 solo stops, 19 assists, and one sack.
His third year marked a shift in Dallas football. Seeing an opportunity to acquire All-Pro tackle Quinnen Williams, Dallas traded Smith, a 2026 second-round pick, and a conditional 2027 first-round pick to the New York Jets. The deal brought a veteran, stable presence to the defensive line in the absence of Parsons. Smith generated three total tackles (all assists) across five games before the trade.
2022 Draft
Tyler Smith // Pick 24 (Guard – Tulsa)
Smith entered the 2022 NFL Draft as a left tackle out of the University of Tulsa. Drafted 24th overall, Smith brought All-American credentials to Dallas. The Cowboys, coming off a divisional-round loss the previous postseason, hoped to supplement their offensive line with a splash of youth. Smith was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team, seeing career highs of 1,144 snaps across 17 games. Smith remains with Dallas and hopes the Cowboys continue to grow.
The organization picked up the fifth-year option on Smith’s contract before he agreed to a four-year, $96 million extension with $81.2 million guaranteed on Sept. 13. The extension makes Smith the highest-paid guard in the NFL, a well-earned accolade, as O-Line coach Conor Riley spoke on recently.
2021 Draft
2021, Micah Parsons – Pick 12 (Linebacker – Penn State)
Parsons quickly became the centerpiece of Dallas’ defense, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after recording 13 sacks and showcasing rare versatility as both an edge rusher and off-ball linebacker. He went on to post double-digit sacks in four straight seasons, earning multiple All-Pro selections and consistently drawing extra protection from opposing offenses. As tensions quietly mounted between Parsons and management, trading the star defender went from rumor to reality.
The Cowboys traded Parson to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round draft picks (2026 and 2027). The deal, built around premium draft capital, left a sizable hole on the defensive front.
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