Fans decipher the Dallas Cowboys draft board shown off by Jerry Jones; New York Jets get 2 of Dallas’ favorite players
The Dallas Cowboys surprised many when they selected Tulsa offensive tackle Tyler Smith with the 24th overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. Smith was widely seen as a second-round prospect, so it was a mild surprise when Roger Goodell called his name in the latter portion of the first round.
During a press conference after the draft, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attempted to prove that the Cowboys really did have Smith ranked higher on their draft board than Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green, two offensive linemen who were taken earlier in the first round. Jones jokingly flashed a piece of paper toward the cameras that included the top of Dallas’ draft board.
“We had both of them [Johnson and Green]; this was printed three days ago; below [Smith]. Both of those players are below [Smith]. Can you see that?”, Jones said, proceeding to show reporters the team’s board.
To prove to reporters that the Cowboys had Tyler Smith ranked higher on their board than Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson, Jerry Jones showed a copy of the team’s draft board.
Jerry Jones: “I’m dead serious.”
Stephen Jones: “Don’t show them that. … Put that sheet down.” pic.twitter.com/vvj2NV4aEr
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 29, 2022
“I’m dead serious,” Jones said regarding the team’s surprisingly high ranking for Smith.
It’s difficult to make out the information on the piece of paper in the above video, but fans on Twitter worked together to decipher the list, revealing the top 16 players on Dallas’ draft board.
Top of the Cowboys draft board deciphered as Cowboys Twitterverse comes through. pic.twitter.com/JyBYp7bWCJ
— OCC44 (@OCC44) May 3, 2022
When you compare the lengths of the player and school names, it seems like the fans nailed it.
New York Jets fans will be pleased to know that their team snagged two of the top five rated players on Dallas’ board. Cincinnati cornerback Ahmad Gardner, chosen fourth by New York, placed fifth on the Cowboys’ board. Ohio State wide receiver Garrett Wilson, chosen 10th by the Jets, placed fourth.
Despite their playoff woes, the Cowboys have actually been one of the best drafting teams in the NFL throughout the past decade, so this is a promising sign for the Jets. Dallas’ draft picks from 2013 to 2021 have combined for 26 Pro Bowl appearances. Their rankings probably offer slightly better predictive value than those of the average NFL team or the average NFL draft analyst.
