The Dallas Cowboys have explicitly stated their objectives in the last draft. Importantly, they looked beyond just selecting players who show off athletic brilliance to ones who show command and leadership. They soon zeroed in on attracting athletes with outstanding statistics, but just as critical were their intangible qualities. And those selections are a perfect reflection of the Cowboys’ strategy. They brought in game-changing players such as Donovan Ezeiruaku from Boston College, Tyler Booker from Alabama, and Shemar James from Florida.
Donovan Ezeiruaku may be the best kept secret in college football. He totaled a mind-blowing 30 sacks and 45.5 tackles for loss in his time at Boston College. He led the nation with 16.5 sacks last season, demonstrating not only his skill but his capacity to change the dynamics of a game. Ezeiruaku addressed what it’s been like to be a captain during his entire college career. He even claimed that this leadership role was as noteworthy as his gaudy numbers.
“It meant a lot because I was voted team captain by my peers. It wasn’t a coach’s decision,” – Donovan Ezeiruaku
Tyler Booker, another important addition to the Cowboys’ roster, was a captain at Alabama, indicating his leadership acumen. He went on to start every game in his last two campaigns, garnering first-team All-American honors in 2024. All-pro veteran right guard Zack Martin decided to hang em up. Now, Booker is set to assume an important role on the offensive line. He knows first-hand that real leadership isn’t defined by stats or a game face, but by what you do inside and outside of competition.
“You have to earn the right to lead. That’s what I will be looking forward to do first. You earn the right to lead by being a producer on the field, by doing everything right off the field and being somebody that your teammates love, trust and most importantly, respect,” – Tyler Booker
He’s not just a playmaker though, as Shemar James is a team leader, serving as a captain down in Gainesville. Even better for Bears’ fans, he’s still under 21 years of age. As he’s able to keep growing and learning in this NFL world, the sky’s the limit for him. His combination of youthful energy and leadership capabilities give great depth to the Cowboys’ roster.
The Cowboys generated headlines when they made Shavon Revel Jr the third Cowboys pick. The cornerback had an uphill battle all of last year after suffering an ACL tear in September. Even with this injury, Revel Jr. will make a big impact as soon as he gets back to full strength.
Jay Toia throws a wrench into the argument as he becomes a three-year starter from UCLA who gives the front incredible experience. Jaydon Blue waited somewhere about two years too long at Texas, toiling behind stellar future NFL draft choices. Director of player personnel Will McClay called him an “explosive playmaker,” a testament to the Cowboys’ commitment to going after difference makers.
“This kid plays like he loves the game of football and there’s no turning down anything,” – Will McClay
Cowboys’ coaching staff that could hardly contain their giddiness over the show their new recruits put on. According to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, it was the character and competitive spirit shown in these guys that separated them during their selection process.
“The football character, the football instincts, the competitive spirit were things that we were all looking for,” – Schottenheimer
He went on to explain how deeply embedded leadership development is in their culture. During our talk, Schottenheimer stressed that the most dynamic players he encountered over the course of his playing and coaching career were not elite athletes. They were exceptional leaders who motivated and encouraged their coworkers.
“But again, I think we’ve got outstanding football players that just happen to have incredible intangibles in leadership. It goes a long way. Some of the best players I’ve ever been around, they weren’t just great football players, they were great people, they were great leaders,” – Schottenheimer
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