Cowboys draft: Last 10 players selected 24th overall

Here are the last 10 players taken with the 24th overall pick.

Barring a move that would change the landscape of the first night, the Dallas Cowboys are set to select 24th overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. It’s a spot they have been in twice over the last 25 years, and most recently in 2022.

While selecting a productive player in any round is a daunting task that is often easier said than done, the Cowboys, and the NFL as a whole, has seen surprisingly quality production out of the 24th slot. Let’s take a closer look into the history of the pick over the last decade to get an idea of what Cowboys Nation may be able to expect with this month’s first-round selection.

24th overall pick’s of the last decade

2014

Darqueze Dennard

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The Cincinnati Bengals selected DB Darqueze Dennard with the 24th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Dennard spent six seasons with the Bengals where he played in 77 games, starting 24 of them. He accumulated three interceptions and 274 tackles for the team during his tenure in Cincy.

Dennard has last played in the NFL in 2021 and has had brief stints with Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and San Francisco 49ers following his departure from the Bengals.

2015

D.J. Humphries

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The Arizona Cardinals selected OT D.J. Humphries in the 2015 NFL Draft and he has been a staple on their offensive line ever since. Humphries has appeared in 98 games, starting all of them, since entering the league eight years ago. Humphries was voted a Pro Bowler in 2021 and has been a solid addition for the Cardinals offense.

2016

William Jackson III

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In 2016 the Bengals once again owned the 24th pick and this time selected another DB, William Jackson III. Jackson spent the first four seasons of his career with the Bengals before spending 2021 and 2022 in Washington with the Commanders. Jackson did not appear in an NFL game in 2023.

2017

Gareon Conley

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2017 saw yet another DB selected when the Raiders took Gareon Conley with their pick. It’s hard to describe Conley’s NFL career as anything but disappointing with his Raiders tenure only lasting 17 games before the team moved on after two seasons. Currently Conley is playing in the newly created UFL with the D.C Defenders.

2018

D.J. Moore

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2018 saw the first star of the last decade at the draft slot selected when the Carolina Panthers drafted WR D.J. Moore. Moore has been highly productive during his NFL career, and has since been traded to the Chicago Bears in 2023 where he has picked up where he left off in Carolina. Moore is a crucial piece to a rebuilding Bears team that looks to have an exciting future.

2019

Josh Jacobs

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2019 provided another productive NFL star with the 24th overall pick when the Raiders drafted RB Josh Jacobs. Jacobs has been a league rushing champion and has been a consistent presence among the NFL’s best RBs since joining the league. Jacobs has since signed with the Green Bay Packers this offseason and will look to add another weapon to a young and rising Packers offense.

2020

Cesar Ruiz

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In 2020 the New Orleans Saints looked to fortify the middle of their offensive line when they drafted C Cesar Ruiz at pick No. 24. In four seasons with the Saints Ruiz has appeared in 62 games starting 56 of them. The young center enters year five as the anchor of the line looking to protect Derek Carr in hopes of earning a second contract for the team that drafted him.

2021

Najee Harris

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RB Najee Harris was the selection of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021 as they were looking to add a tough and dynamic ball carrier to their offense. In his first three seasons in the NFL Harris has eclipsed at least 1,000 rushing yards and seven touchdowns every season proving that he is, and can continue to be, a productive RB in the NFL.

2022

Tyler Smith

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Cowboys fans are very familiar with 2022’s 24th selection as OL Tyler Smith has come in and has quickly become a crucial piece to this Dallas. This is an OL group going through changes in 2024, however, despite the turnover taking place, where the confidence the front office has in the group comes from Smith and his future. Smith is fresh off of an All-Pro season in just his second year in the NFL and the sky is the limit for the former first-round pick.

2023

Deonte Banks

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The most recent 24th overall pick in the NFL draft belongs to DB Deonte Banks and the New York Giants. The former Maryland CB’s future is still very much unwritten and is coming off a rookie year where had two interceptions in 15 starts. The Giants hope he can be a cornerstone piece for the franchise and his talent is evident.