The 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft has a long and varied history, with numerous memorable players having been selected at that position. This pick represents a turning point in the draft, often falling just outside the top-tier talent but still within a range where teams can find significant contributors. When considering the Dallas Cowboys in relation to this pick, it’s useful to explore how the franchise has approached this selection, as well as how it fits into the broader context of the NFL draft’s history.
The Cowboys’ Use of the 12th Pick
Over the years, the Dallas Cowboys have had the 12th overall pick on several occasions. The most notable instances stand out in the context of both the Cowboys’ success and the players they selected at this position.
- 1965 Draft – Craig Baynham: The first major instance for the Cowboys and the 12th pick came in the 1965 NFL Draft, where Dallas selected offensive lineman Craig Baynham from UCLA. Baynham, however, did not enjoy a long or successful career in the NFL. While this pick was not a great success, it highlights an early attempt to bolster the team’s offensive line, an area that would later become a staple of the franchise’s dominance.
- 1991 Draft – Alvin Harper: One of the more successful picks for the Cowboys at number 12 came in 1991 when they selected wide receiver Alvin Harper from the University of Tennessee. Harper was a key contributor to the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty, providing a deep threat alongside Hall of Famer Michael Irvin. Harper was an excellent complement to the offense, known for his big-play ability. While he was never a number-one receiver in Dallas, Harper’s role in the Cowboys’ Super Bowl wins cannot be overstated.
- 2013 Draft – Travis Frederick: The Cowboys also made a significant selection at the 12th spot in 2013, choosing center Travis Frederick from Wisconsin. Frederick quickly became an anchor for Dallas’s offensive line, widely considered one of the best in the league during the mid-2010s. This selection exemplified the Cowboys’ ability to build success from the inside out, constructing a dominant offensive line that enabled their offensive weapons to thrive. Frederick was named to three Pro Bowls and was pivotal in helping the Cowboys reach the playoffs during his tenure.
The NFL’s History with the 12th Overall Pick
While the Cowboys have had a mixed record with the 12th overall selection, other teams throughout the history of the NFL have had various levels of success with this pick. As we delve deeper into this aspect of the draft, it’s apparent that the 12th overall pick has seen both Hall of Fame-caliber players and relative disappointments.
Notable 12th Overall Picks
- Lawrence Taylor (1981) – One of the most famous and impactful 12th overall picks in NFL history was the New York Giants’ selection of linebacker Lawrence Taylor in 1981. Taylor’s combination of speed, power, and football IQ transformed the linebacker position and the way defenses were structured in the NFL. He went on to be a two-time Super Bowl champion, an NFL MVP (as a defensive player), and a Hall of Famer. Taylor’s selection is one of the most iconic moments in NFL draft history and certainly represents the best-case scenario for any team selecting at the 12th spot.
- DeMarcus Ware (2005) – Another significant player selected 12th overall was DeMarcus Ware, chosen by the Dallas Cowboys themselves in the 2005 draft. Ware, a pass-rushing linebacker from Troy, developed into one of the premier edge rushers of his era. Ware played nine seasons with the Cowboys, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and being a key player in their defense. His dominance was key to Dallas’ success in the mid-2000s, and he would go on to win a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in 2015. Ware’s success further solidifies the notion that the 12th overall pick can produce elite talent.
- Michael Irvin (1988) – Another legendary Dallas Cowboy selected 12th overall was Michael Irvin, the wide receiver chosen in 1988. Irvin was a critical piece of the Cowboys’ dynasty in the 1990s, helping lead the team to three Super Bowl championships. Known as “The Playmaker,” Irvin became one of the most successful and charismatic wide receivers in NFL history, making five Pro Bowls and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007. Irvin’s selection at number 12 stands as a testament to the Cowboys’ ability to find future stars at this position.
- Chris Johnson (2006) – Chris Johnson, selected by the Tennessee Titans, was another player selected 12th overall who made a significant impact in the NFL. As a running back, Johnson earned the nickname “CJ2K” after breaking the NFL record for most rushing yards in a season (2,006 yards) in 2006. His combination of speed and vision made him one of the most dynamic running backs of his era, and Johnson’s performance was a key factor in revitalizing the Titans’ offense.
- Aaron Rodgers (2005) – While Aaron Rodgers was eventually selected 24th overall in the 2005 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers, it is worth mentioning that his early draft-day slide and the subsequent selection of Alex Smith by the San Francisco 49ers at number 1 ultimately set the stage for one of the most important draft decisions in NFL history. Rodgers became a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and one of the most skilled and accomplished passers in league history. His career emphasizes the importance of scouting and the unpredictability of the draft.
The Significance of the 12th Pick
The 12th overall pick holds a unique place in the NFL Draft landscape. It sits right in the middle of the first round, which gives it the potential to either yield an immediate starter or be the launchpad for a franchise cornerstone. Teams that make this pick are often in a position where they are trying to get over the hump, whether that’s to make a playoff push or secure a generational talent who will help carry the team for years to come.
Being positioned at number 12 means that a team could miss out on the elite prospects taken in the top five or six picks, but it also provides the opportunity to select players with tremendous upside who might have slipped due to certain concerns. It’s not uncommon for players chosen at the 12th spot to have significant career accomplishments, making this a spot in the draft where finding hidden gems is common.
Trends and Challenges
A consistent trend with the 12th overall pick in the draft is that it represents a bit of a crossroads for teams. There is an opportunity to find immediate impact players who can help immediately. However, the possibility also exists that a team may not hit on this pick and it turns into a missed opportunity. For example, some players picked in the 12th spot have dealt with injuries or struggled to live up to expectations. This shows how the volatility of the draft can affect any pick, even one as high as 12th overall.
Another important factor is the way NFL teams have evolved in evaluating talent. Teams that are selecting around the 12th pick often use a combination of scouting data, analytics, and past performance to make their choices. The increased emphasis on positional value—particularly in areas such as quarterback, pass rusher, and offensive tackle—has also shifted the focus of many teams selecting in this area of the draft. As a result, it is not uncommon for high-potential players in other positions (such as wide receivers or defensive backs) to be selected in the middle of the first round, offering both high reward and risk.
