Cowboys Draft Gamble Pays Off with CeeDee Lamb

Dallas' surprise 2020 pick becomes franchise cornerstone

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:54am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a football game, with players and the field reduced to abstract geometric shapes and colors, capturing the raw energy and dynamics of the sport.The Cowboys' bold 2020 draft decision to select CeeDee Lamb over a defensive player has reshaped the franchise's trajectory, with the wide receiver's impact felt across the team's offensive prowess.Dallas Today

The Dallas Cowboys' decision to select wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft has proven to be a masterstroke, as the Oklahoma product has become an iconic figure in Dallas and one of the league's elite receivers.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' pick of Lamb over a defensive player was a bold move at the time, but it has paid major dividends. Lamb's consistent Pro Bowl-caliber production has made him a cornerstone of the Cowboys' offense and one of the best receivers from his draft class.

The details

With a need for a pass-rusher, the Cowboys were poised to address their defense in the 2020 draft. However, when Lamb unexpectedly fell to them at 17, they opted to bolster their offense instead. This decision has proven prescient, as Lamb has made five consecutive Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team, while the player taken 12th overall by the Raiders, Henry Ruggs, is no longer in the league.

  • The Cowboys selected Lamb with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
  • Lamb has made the Pro Bowl in each of his first five NFL seasons (2020-2024).
  • Lamb was named First-Team All-Pro in 2023.

The players

CeeDee Lamb

A standout wide receiver from the University of Oklahoma who has become a star for the Dallas Cowboys since being drafted in 2020.

Henry Ruggs

A wide receiver selected 12th overall by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2020 NFL Draft, who was later cut by the team and is no longer in the league.

Justin Jefferson

A wide receiver selected after Lamb in the 2020 draft, who is considered the best receiver from that class.

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What they’re saying

“CeeDee Lamb has become one of the most dynamic and consistent receivers in the NFL.”

— Emmitt Smith, Cowboys Legend

“The Cowboys' decision to take Lamb over a defensive player has paid huge dividends for their franchise.”

— Troy Aikman, Hall of Fame Quarterback

What’s next

The Cowboys will look to build on Lamb's success as they aim to contend for a Super Bowl title in the coming seasons.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' bold move to select CeeDee Lamb in the 2020 draft has proven to be a masterstroke, as the wide receiver has become a cornerstone of their offense and one of the best players from his class. This decision highlights the importance of scouting, decision-making, and fit when it comes to the NFL draft.