Top Cowboys Draft Picks: WAV Ranking

0:00Stacker just dropped a ranking of the top draft picks in Dallas Cowboys history, using a metric called weighted approximate value, or wave, to measure. Career Impact. Coming in at number 1 is Emmett Smith, picked 17th overall in 1990. He racked up a 129 WAV, 8 Pro Bowls, 4 first team all pro nods, and started for 14 seasons over 200. 26 games. That man's the gold standard for Cowboys steals. Number 2 goes to Randy White, the defensive tackle grabs second overall in 1975. His 116 wave came with 9 Pro Bowls, and 7 all pro honors across 11 starting years and 209 games. Right behind him at number 3, Bob Lilly from 1961, first round 13 pick, posted 112 WAV, 11 Pro Bowls, 7 all pro's, and 14 seasons as a starter in 196 games. Tony Dorses sits at number 4.

1:00The running back taken second overall in 1977, with 107 WAV, 4 Pro Bowls, and 11 starting seasons over 173 games. Then there's a 3 way tie at number 5, Roger Stalbach from 1964, 10th round, Dak Prescott from 2016, 4th round, and Michael Irvin from 1988, all hitting 104 WAV with solid Pro Bowl counts, and starter longevity. Dropping to the guards, Zach Martin at number 8 from 2014, first round, has 103 WAV, and 7 all pros in 11 seasons. Steve Wisnewski, number 9, and Larry Allen number 10. Round out the top 10, both elite guards with over 100 WAV each, multiple Pro Bowls, and long careers protecting the pocket. This list spotlights how the Cowboys have mined gems across decades, from Hall of Famers to active stars still building legacies, proving smart drafts. Build dynasties that echo through the league.

2:02Dallas News Today, powered by AI Bringing You What Matters, I'm Corey with The Story.