IRVING, Texas – The Cowboys had a chance to pick the most high-profiled player in the draft.
But instead, with the 16th pick, the Cowboys went for offensive line for the third time in four years. In picking Notre Dame's Zack Martin, the first guard taken in the draft.
By doing so, they passed on Johnny Manziel, the Texas A&M quarterback who has been projected to go anywhere from the top three picks to even later in the first round.
Martin (6-4, 308) is expected to play guard right away but could perhaps move out to tackle and even center if needed.
He started 52 consecutive games for the Fighting Irish, winning MVP honors of the 2013 Pinstripe Bowl. Martin was on several Watch Lists including the Lombardi Award and Outland Trophy.
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In 2011, the Cowboys drafted Tyron Smith with the ninth overall pick becoming the first offensive lineman taken in the first round since 1981. Last year, the Cowboys took Travis Frederick with the 31st pick in the draft.
The Cowboys have Ron Leary and Mackenzy Bernadeau at the guard spots and this move all but eliminates the club will try to bring veteran Brian Waters back next season.
Photos of the Cowboys' 2014 first round draft pick, OT Zack Martin (Round 1, Pick 16).
