NFL · 7 months ago

The 5 Worst Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks of the Past Decade

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

1. Taco Charlton (DE, 2017 – 1st Round, 28th Overall)
One of the shortest tenures for a first-round pick in Cowboys history, Taco Charlton never found his footing in Big D. The former Michigan standout struggled to crack the starting lineup and finished his Dallas career with just four sacks before being released during his third season. Considering he was picked two spots ahead of future Hall of Famer T.J. Watt, Charlton's selection stings even more and earns the top spot on this list.

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5. Chaz Green (OT, 2015 - 3rd Round, 91st Overall)
A single disastrous game sadly defines Chaz Green's Cowboys career. Filling in at left tackle for an injured Tyron Smith, Green allowed a whopping five sacks to Atlanta's Adrian Clayborn during Week 9 of the 2017 season. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his development; when Dallas needed him most, he was not up to the task. Green never played another regular-season snap for the 'Boys following the debacle and was released the following year.

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4. Trysten Hill (DT, 2019 – 2nd Round, 58th Overall)
Viewed as a project with high upside, injuries, inconsistent play, and a lack of discipline marred Trysten Hill's time in Dallas. During Week 5 of the 2020 season, Hill was fined over $13,000 for twisting the knee of Seahawks running back Chris Carson and for a late helmet-to-helmet hit on quarterback Russell Wilson. The following year saw the former UCF star suspended for two games for punching Raiders guard John Sampson during a postgame altercation. The Cowboys ultimately released Hill during the 2022 campaign, never emerging as more than a backup. He's currently a free agent.

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3. Kelvin Joseph (CB, 2021 – 2nd Round, 44th Overall)
Kelvin Joseph brought plenty of raw athleticism, but his off-field concerns and lack of polish proved to be major setbacks. Despite being given multiple opportunities, Joseph failed to secure a starting job and was primarily relegated to special teams before being dealt to the Miami Dolphins in 2023. The Louisiana native has bounced around the league ever since, and is currently suiting up for the DC Defenders of the UFL.

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2. Mazi Smith (DT, 2023 – 1st Round, 26th Overall)
Before they selected Mazi Smith, the Cowboys had not chosen a nose tackle in the first round since Russell Maryland in 1991. In hindsight, they might have been wise to maintain that trend, as Smith has been a major disappointment through two seasons. After starting just three games as a rookie, the 23-year-old earned 12 starts in 2024. Unfortunately, it didn't lead to much production as PFF ranked Smith 207th out of 219 defensive linemen. While there's still time for the former Wolverine to develop, the early returns have been far from encouraging.
1. Taco Charlton (DE, 2017 – 1st Round, 28th Overall)
One of the shortest tenures for a first-round pick in Cowboys history, Taco Charlton never found his footing in Big D. The former Michigan standout struggled to crack the starting lineup and finished his Dallas career with just four sacks before being released during his third season. Considering he was picked two spots ahead of future Hall of Famer T.J. Watt, Charlton's selection stings even more and earns the top spot on this list.

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5. Chaz Green (OT, 2015 - 3rd Round, 91st Overall)
A single disastrous game sadly defines Chaz Green's Cowboys career. Filling in at left tackle for an injured Tyron Smith, Green allowed a whopping five sacks to Atlanta's Adrian Clayborn during Week 9 of the 2017 season. Injuries and inconsistency plagued his development; when Dallas needed him most, he was not up to the task. Green never played another regular-season snap for the 'Boys following the debacle and was released the following year.

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The 5 Worst Dallas Cowboys Draft Picks of the Past Decade

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