NEWSLETTER
Jerry Jones is never one to shy away from being in front of a microphone and giving everyone something to talk about, for better or worse. And sure enough, on one of the NFL’s biggest stages, he did it again.
When discussing the first round of the NFL Draft with the media, Jones went to incredible lengths to “prove” that the Cowboys had their first-round pick Tyler Johnson ranked higher than fellow offensive lineman Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson. How? BY SHOWING REPORTERS THE TEAM’S DRAFT BOARD.
To prove to reporters that the Cowboys had Tyler Smith ranked higher on their board than Kenyon Green and Zion Johnson, Jerry Jones showed a copy of the team’s draft board.
Jerry Jones: “I’m dead serious.”
Stephen Jones: “Don’t show them that. … Put that sheet down.” pic.twitter.com/vvj2NV4aEr
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) April 29, 2022
Jerry Jones said Smith was the 16th-rated player on the Cowboys’ draft board and said a team that tried to make a trade up with the Cowboys informed them that Smith would have been its selection. Jones said Smith was rated higher than guards Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green, linked to the Cowboys before the draft, and went earlier in the first round.
I can understand why reporters would question the legitimacy of Jones’ claim that the Cowboys had Smith ranked higher than Green and Johnson. The Cowboys took the Tulsa tackle with the 24th overall pick in last night’s first round, but some had Smith pegged outside of the first round. Bleacher Report gave Smith a third-round grade in their scouting breakdown.
Heck, even Smith himself was surprised that his name was called with the Cowboys on the clock last night:
“Man, I was shocked,” he said. “A lot of my coaches said there was a great chance (but) I can’t say I even dialogued with the team that much throughout the process, but like it was a shock to me. I can’t even lie. I’m more than blessed to be here. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
X’s and O’s aside, Jerry Jones is the character that keeps on giving when you’re looking for laughs and soundbites.
