NFL.
And then Bill Parcells' last draft, in 2006, the Cowboys failed to land anyone who has been more than a role player. Bobby Carpenter, Anthony Fasano (who was traded for a fourth-round pick in 2008) and Jason Hatcher headlined that draft. The Cowboys then took Skyler Green in the fourth round. Green was an undersized receiver whom the Cowboys thought would be an instant hit in the return game. That flopped and he was cut at the end of camp, but stayed around on the practice squad before joining the Bengals. Green is now with the Saints.
While the 2007 draft is still being debated, the same can be said for a pair of fourth-round picks that year. Isaiah Stanback has yet to stay healthy enough to show that he can indeed be an NFL wide receiver. And Doug Free just hasn't had the opportunities to play.
So that takes us to this year. The Cowboys have a pair of fourth-round picks, including the first in the round, the 101st overall pick they received from Detroit in one of last year's mid-round trades. They also have their own fourth-round pick, the 117th overall selection.
If the Cowboys are going to have some success in this draft, history suggests they need to hit on a fourth-round pick. If not two of them.
Here's a look at some of the more notable fourth-round picks in Cowboys' history:
Tony Tolbert, DE, 1989 - Tolbert had a solid career, becoming one of the stalwarts on a Cowboys defense that won three Super Bowls in the 1990s. While Tolbert made just one Pro Bowl (1996), he teamed up with Charles Haley to become one of the top pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
John Fitzgerald, OT, 1970 - Eight-year starter at center who played in five Super Bowls.
Pat Donovan, OT, 1975 - Four-time Pro Bowler who anchored the line for nearly a decade.
Tom Rafferty, OL, 1976 - Played 14 seasons, starting four years at guard and then nine more at center.
Kelvin Martin, WR, 1987 - Always just a role player, but Martin was a big success for the 1992 squad. More than just a receiver, he was a great return specialist.
