Lowndes Shingler. John M. Longmeyer. Lou Cioci. Ring any bells?
No? Then how about Bill Van Bukleo? Sonny Utz? Linc Harden? Or the one and only Fallon Wacasey? Fuzzy memories of Lorenzo Bouier, Topper Clemons of Charvez Foger?
If you’re a draft geek, you know that those are former draft picks of your Dallas Cowboys. And if you know your football, you know that they all sucked.
Yep, even the legendary Cowboys' computer and the hallowed triumverant of Tom Landry-Tex Schramm-Gil Brandt made draft gaffes. Lots of 'em. Big ones.
No matter what the Cowboys do with the 16th overall pick, it’ll be difficult to top their worst draft picks ever. Keep a barf bag handy as I present the Bottom 5 draft picks in the history of America’s Team:
5. Bill Thomas – The Boston College was taken ahead of Robert Newhouse in ’72, but never scored an NFL touchdown.
4. Tody Smith – Southern Cal stud defensive end was drafted 25th overall in ’71 but produced 0 sacks in 69 games with Cowboys.
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3. Kevin Brooks – Forgettable defensive lineman picked 17th overall in ’85, one spot behind some guy named Jerry Rice.
2. Rod Hill – First-round cornerback in ’82 wasn’t even good enough to flop, never starting a game for Cowboys.
1. Scott Appleton – University of Texas Outland Trophy winner was taken 4th overall in ’64, but instead signed with the AFL’s Houston Oilers and never played a down in Dallas.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
