2019 Cowboys Draft Picks: Full Roster Breakdown and Outcomes

Overview of the 2019 Draft Class

The 2019 Dallas Cowboys draft class represents a pivotal point in a roster refresh that emphasized versatility, youth, and depth across offense, defense, and special teams. Selected under general manager Jerry Jones’s oversight and head coach Jason Garrett’s direction (with Mike Zimmer overseeing the defense in what became a transitional season), this class was shaped by needs left from previous turnover at linebacker and safety and by opportunities in the secondary and along the defensive line.

Because the 2019 class has aged into meaningful roles, we can now review each pick with clarity on performance, trajectory, and eventual impact on the broader roster picture. The following sections organize picks by round, highlight notable selections and busts, and provide quick-reference data on draft order, college origins, and current team status.

Round 1 Picks and Analysis

Pick 21: Trevon Diggs (CB)

The Cowboys traded down from the No. 17 overall spot to acquire the 21st selection, which they used to draft Trevon Diggs, a shutdown cornerback from Alabama. Diggs immediately contributed in nickel and dime packages, showcasing elite press-man technique and ball skills that later translated into interceptions and big plays in the red zone. His development exemplified the value of a high-character, high-skill defensive back drafted in the first round.

Pick 26: CeeDee Lamb (WR)

Acquired by moving up from No. 32 to No. 26, Dallas selected Oklahoma star CeeDee Lamb, a precise route runner and reliable target for quarterback Dak Prescott. Lamb’s college tape displayed contested-catch ability and separation skills that translated quickly to the NFL. Alongside Amari Cooper, he formed a dynamic wideout duo that reshaped the Cowboys’ passing attack in the early 2020s.

Notable First-Round Context

Dallas traded back into the first round on two occasions, demonstrating flexibility and a willingness to accumulate assets. The selections of Diggs and Lamb addressed immediate perimeter needs—cornerback and wide receiver—while setting the stage for a more dynamic offensive front moving forward.

Round 2 Picks and Value

Pick 57: Reggie Robinson II (CB)

Selected in the second round, Reggie Robinson quickly became a core member of the defensive backfield. Known for tough play, sound reads, and special teams reliability, Robinson provided stability at corner—a position of ongoing need. His development reflected the importance of lower-round first contributors who grow into starter roles.

Pick 61: Tyler Biadasz (C)

A mid-second round steal, Biadasz brought versatility to an offensive line that had seen turnover at center. His ability to play both guard and center allowed for flexible line rotations and injury management. Biadasz evolved into a reliable run-blocker and a key part of the Cowboys’ interior line framework.

Pick 63: Cameron Thomas (LB)

Though he did not immediately crack the starting lineup, Thomas offered edge-rush potential and versatility in coverage. His trajectory highlighted the risk-reward nature of drafting defensive players late in the second round—upside exists, but development timelines can vary.

Round 3 and Early Impact

Pick 81: DaRon Bland (CB)

Taken in what became a productive stretch of the draft, Bland’s college production at Fresno State translated to effective play in the NFL. Though his time in Dallas was limited by injuries and roster moves, he provided a glimpse of what a developmental corner can offer at this stage.

Pick 87: Everson Griffen (DT)

A notable return to the Cowboys in 2019, Griffen brought veteran presence and disruptive edge-rush ability after a stint away from the league. His presence along the defensive line helped blend youth and experience—an important factor in a rebuilding yet competitive environment.

Pick 95: Terence Steele (OT)

Perhaps the class’s most impactful offensive-line selection, Steele started at right tackle early and grew into a Pro Bowl-caliber tackle. His durability and consistency exemplified the value of a steady hand in the trenches, especially at a position critical to Prescott’s protection and the run game.

Mid-to-Late Round Selections and Developmental Stories

Pick 110: Taine Basham (LB)

Basham, a late first-round compensatory pick, provided interior linebacker depth. His career illustrated how draft positioning and development can intersect with opportunity, especially in a rotation-heavy scheme.

Pick 138: Donovan Wilson (S)

A safety acquired to address depth concerns, Wilson offered special teams energy and the promise of eventual snaps in the defensive backfield. Mid-round defensive backs often serve as organizational depth, and Wilson’s tenure exemplified the patience required in evaluating younger defenders.

Pick 143: Jalen Guyton (WR)

Guyton represented a high-upside wideout taken later in the draft. While his Cowboys tenure did not reach full potential, the pick signaled continued interest in developing playmakers in the passing game through non-first-round avenues.

Defensive Line and Linebacker Depth

The 2019 class added meaningful depth to positions of ongoing organizational need. Griffen brought veteran edge pressure; Basham and linebacker draft additions worked to maintain rotational freshness. In a pass-heavy era, these additions were designed to bolster both run defense and third-down pressure profiles.

Offensive Line and Receivers: Building Continuity

On the offensive side of the ball, selections like Steele and Biadasz targeted continuity at anchor spots. The right tackle position, in particular, benefited from a reliable starter, which allowed for better game management and run-block stability. Receiver depth with Lamb and early contributions from Diggs helped offset departure losses and set the stage for more consistent downfield concepts.

Summary Takeaways

• High-impact starters: CeeDee Lamb and Terence Steele became central to offensive identity and Pro Bowl conversations.
• Defensive stability: Trevon Diggs and Reggie Robinson delivered immediate nickel and cornerback contributions, respectively.
• Value picks: Tyler Biadasz and Everson Griffen exemplified smart mid-to-late round additions with meaningful roles.
• Development over immediate impact: Several 2019 picks required time to develop, reflecting a strategy of investing in talent with longer maturation curves.
• Roster gaps remain: While the class improved depth, ongoing needs at linebacker and safety persist, indicating the iterative nature of roster building.