Jerry Jones uncertain about Dallas selecting QB, trusts in Cowboys' draft strategy
Veteran owner Jerry Jones has no qualms about stating his opinion on where the Dallas Cowboys stand, a fact that holds true at any point in the NFL season.
On Tuesday, Jones expressed his pride in the Cowboys' success in the draft as they prepare for the 2025 edition on Thursday night.
"We are one of the top drafting teams in the NFL, I will say that," Jones confidently stated. "We truly are."
While the Cowboys are still waiting for 2023 first-round pick Mazi Smith (26th overall) to live up to his high draft status, and 2024's 29th overall pick, Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton, had a minimal impact last season, Jones remains optimistic about the team's future.
With a change in head coaches, promoting offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer to replace Mike McCarthy, Jones explained that the continuity in the team played a significant role in Schottenheimer's selection. Vice president of player personnel Will McClay, who holds a lot of weight in the Cowboys' draft room, needed no introduction to the first-time head coach.
"Schotty knows what he wants," McClay added. "It's been a seamless process. We have a consistent approach that remains unchanged."
Schottenheimer, who participated in the open dialogue of the pre-draft process as an assistant coach, reiterated the importance of having conviction in their draft picks.
"At the end of the day, you want to have confidence in your choices," Schottenheimer stated.
With the 12th overall pick, the Cowboys are focused on selecting the "best player available," according to vice president Stephen Jones. He emphasized the team's commitment to avoiding forcing a player who may fill a need but doesn't align with their draft strategy.
Jones also addressed the financial commitment made to quarterback Dak Prescott in 2024, stating that it doesn't disqualify prospects at the quarterback position in the 2025 draft as "players do get injured." However, the recent trade for Patriots backup quarterback Joe Milton and a seventh-round pick on April 3 makes it unlikely for the Cowboys to draft a quarterback this year.
The direction the team takes in the draft will ultimately depend on how the picks play out, according to Jones.
Vice president Stephen Jones also shared his thoughts on the team's past draft picks, highlighting their surprise at having the opportunity to select Micah Parsons (12th overall in 2021) and their conviction in choosing pass rusher CeeDee Lamb at No. 17 in 2020.
"You don't want to find yourself reaching for a player who is lower on your draft board," Stephen Jones explained. "Great things happen when you trust your draft strategy. We have to stay true to our evaluations and stick to our plan."
