The History of the #12 Overall Pick: A Look at the Dallas Cowboys and NFL Legacy
Cowboys’ Track Record with the 12th Pick
The Dallas Cowboys have selected 12th overall in the NFL Draft three times in their storied history, and each time, it’s been a moment that has shaped the future of the franchise. From standouts to Super Bowl champions, the #12 pick has proven to be a fruitful one for the Cowboys.
The first time the Cowboys selected 12th overall was in 1987, when they drafted Nebraska defensive lineman Danny Noonan. A unanimous All-American, Noonan became a key part of the Cowboys’ defense from 1987 to 1992, playing in 67 games and recording 15 career sacks. He even added a pick-six and a safety during his time in Dallas. Noonan’s contributions helped the Cowboys secure a Super Bowl victory in 1992, though he was later claimed off waivers by the Green Bay Packers.
In 1991, the Cowboys again selected 12th overall, this time choosing wide receiver Alvin Harper from Tennessee. A second-team All-SEC receiver in 1990, Harper was instrumental in Dallas’ offense, catching 124 passes for 2,486 yards and 18 touchdowns during his first four seasons with the team. Harper’s clutch performance in the 1992 NFC Championship game, where he caught a 70-yard slant to set up a Cowboys touchdown, was a pivotal moment on their road to a Super Bowl title. He won two Super Bowls with the Cowboys in 1992 and 1993.
The most recent 12th overall pick for the Cowboys came in 2021 when they selected linebacker Micah Parsons from Penn State. Parsons has been nothing short of spectacular in his first four seasons with Dallas, earning Pro Bowl honors every year and being named a two-time All-Pro. He has tallied an impressive 52.5 sacks, 256 tackles, 112 quarterback hits, and nine forced fumbles. Parsons has etched his name into the NFL record books, becoming one of only two players in league history (along with Reggie White) to record 12 or more sacks in their first four seasons.
NFL History at #12 Overall
The 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft has a rich history that extends beyond the Cowboys, with several iconic players and even future coaches emerging from this spot.
The most notable selection at #12 is Warren Sapp, chosen by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1995. Sapp went on to become one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. He played for eight seasons with the Bucs, winning a Super Bowl and earning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award during his career. Sapp is currently the lone Hall of Famer to have been picked 12th overall.
Two other potential future Hall of Famers were drafted at #12: Fletcher Cox and Marshawn Lynch. Cox, selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2012, played all 12 of his NFL seasons with the team. He registered 70 career sacks and was a six-time Pro Bowler. Lynch, selected by the Buffalo Bills in 2007, made his most significant impact with the Seattle Seahawks, where he helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory and earned four Pro Bowl selections during his career.
In 1994, the New York Jets selected cornerback Aaron Glenn with the 12th pick. Glenn was a three-time Pro Bowler and enjoyed a successful playing career. After retiring, he transitioned into coaching and now serves as the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, where he has played a key role in their recent success, including a remarkable 15-2 record in the 2024 season and the #1 seed in the NFC.
Notable Recent #12 Overall Picks
Here’s a look at the most recent players selected with the 12th overall pick in the NFL Draft:
- 2024: Bo Nix, QB, Denver Broncos
- 2023: Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, Detroit Lions
- 2022: Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
- 2021: Micah Parsons, DE, Dallas Cowboys
- 2020: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
- 2019: Rashan Gary, DE, Green Bay Packers
- 2018: Vita Vea, DL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 2017: Deshaun Watson, QB, Houston Texans
- 2016: Sheldon Rankins, DT, New Orleans Saints
- 2015: Danny Shelton, DT, Cleveland Browns
- 2014: Odell Beckham Jr., WR, New York Giants
- 2013: D.J. Hayden, CB, Las Vegas Raiders
Conclusion: A Pick to Watch
The #12 overall pick has historically been a great spot for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the NFL at large. With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching, the Cowboys have a rich tradition of making the most out of this pick. Whether it’s the next superstar defensive player, a future Hall of Famer, or a key offensive weapon, the 12th overall selection has the potential to shape the future of the Cowboys once again. Fans will be watching closely to see who joins the ranks of great players selected at #12 and what impact they’ll have on America’s Team.
