Johnny Manziel was that close (really, really close) to being a Dallas Cowboy, and more than likely a former Cowboy by now. Back in 2014, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was so in love with the Texas A&M quarterback but Stephen Jones, his son and vice president of player personnel, talked Jerry into taking the 'less sexy' selection in guard Zack Martin. Manziel has now been out of the league for sometime and been kicked out of the CFL and couldn't even hack it in the (now defunct) AAF. Zack Martin on the other hand has been an all-pro offensive lineman.
The NFL Draft this year will be different than in year's past due to COVID-19. Members of the front office will check in virtually from their respective homes and have communications that way but what's to stop Jerry from being Jerry. Stephen has been the voice of reason when it comes to the Cowboys' draft plans.
From CBS Sports:
"One of the things I'm not going to miss is when I came out of those draft rooms over the weekend, my old shins used to have big old bruises on them," Jones said, via Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth-Star Telegram. "That was from Stephen kicking me under the table for three straight days relative to some of our decision-making."
While Jerry has direct lines of communication with new Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and Stephen, what happens should that connection fail and Jerry is left alone to make that decision? Jerry loves the spotlight and the very thought of him making decisions alone for the Cowboys' draft should be enough to scare any Cowboys fan.
The Cowboys hold the 17th pick in the first round of the draft.