Since Will McClay took over as the Vice President of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys in 2014, the team has seen significant improvements in their draft approach and outcomes. McClay, known for his meticulous scouting and ability to identify talent across various positions, has built a reputation as one of the most effective executives in the NFL when it comes to the draft process. Under his leadership, the Cowboys have been able to consistently secure talent that has not only contributed immediately but also set the foundation for long-term success. As the Cowboys look toward future drafts, it is important to recognize how McClay’s impact has shaped the team’s roster construction and elevated their prospects year after year.
This article will explore how Will McClay’s leadership has shaped the Cowboys’ draft strategy, highlight key successes throughout the years, and discuss how his ability to evaluate talent has put the team in a strong position for years to come. Through strong draft picks and savvy decision-making, McClay has become a central figure in shaping the Cowboys into a more balanced and competitive team.
Will McClay’s Rise to Prominence
Before McClay took over the Cowboys’ draft operations, the team had a mixed record in the draft. From missed picks to drafting players who didn’t meet expectations, the team’s draft history had its ups and downs. However, McClay’s ascent to the role of Vice President of Player Personnel in 2014 marked a turning point. His extensive background in scouting, first as a national scout and then as the Director of College and Pro Scouting, gave him a unique perspective on talent evaluation and team-building.
McClay’s approach to player evaluation has been praised for its thoroughness and its balance between film study, metrics analysis, and the “gut feeling” that comes from years of experience. He values building through the draft as the foundation for a successful franchise, understanding that the best teams are consistently able to reload with high-quality talent each year.
His philosophy is rooted in a few key principles:
- Maximizing Value: McClay doesn’t simply take the best player available; he also looks for players who fit the team’s needs and who can add the most value at their position. He understands that drafting for need, while sometimes controversial, can be a crucial factor in creating a team that fits together cohesively.
- Risk Management: While McClay isn’t afraid to take risks, especially when evaluating high-upside players, he is also known for being cautious with players who come with injury concerns, attitude problems, or other red flags. He is always looking for well-rounded individuals who can thrive in the Cowboys’ culture.
- Evaluating Fit: McClay is known for his emphasis on finding players who fit the Cowboys’ scheme, whether it’s offensive or defensive. He has consistently been able to draft players who excel in the team’s systems, ensuring that there is a seamless integration between the player’s skills and the Cowboys’ style of play.
- Building Depth: McClay’s draft philosophy isn’t just about securing star players in the early rounds; it’s also about building depth and finding value later in the draft. This allows the Cowboys to sustain their success over the long term, ensuring that they have capable players at every position to step in when needed.
Key Draft Successes Under Will McClay
Since 2014, McClay has overseen several draft classes that have been lauded for their overall talent, depth, and ability to contribute immediately. From first-round picks to late-round gems, McClay has proven that he knows how to find and develop talent. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most notable successes the Cowboys have had under his leadership.
2014 Draft: The Birth of the Cowboys’ Defensive Foundation
In the 2014 NFL Draft, McClay’s first as the Vice President of Player Personnel, the Cowboys secured a critical piece of their defensive future by selecting Dez Bryant’s successor, Zack Martin, in the first round.
While not necessarily a flashy pick, Martin’s selection in the 16th overall pick has proven to be one of the most important picks in recent Cowboys history. Martin immediately solidified himself as one of the best guards in the NFL and a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line. He was a key player in the team’s ability to establish a dominant running game with Ezekiel Elliott in subsequent years and protect quarterback Dak Prescott.
In the second round, McClay drafted Demarcus Lawrence, who would go on to become a premier pass rusher for the Cowboys. Lawrence developed into one of the league’s most consistent and disruptive defenders, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and cementing himself as one of the franchise’s most important players on defense.
Together, Martin and Lawrence would become two of the cornerstones of the Cowboys’ offensive and defensive lines, respectively. The success of the 2014 draft helped lay the groundwork for the team’s dominance in the trenches in the years that followed.
2016 Draft: A Franchise-Changing Class
The 2016 NFL Draft is arguably the gold standard of McClay’s drafts. The Cowboys hit on two of the most important positions on the field: quarterback and running back. With the fourth overall pick, the Cowboys selected Ezekiel Elliott, one of the most electrifying running backs in recent memory. Elliott’s arrival immediately transformed the Cowboys’ offense into one of the most potent in the NFL. His combination of power, speed, and vision helped revitalize the running game, allowing the Cowboys to control time of possession and take pressure off their young quarterback, Dak Prescott.
Speaking of Prescott, the Cowboys were able to secure their future signal-caller in the fourth round (135th overall) of the 2016 draft. Prescott, selected as a developmental quarterback, was thrust into the starting role after an injury to Tony Romo and never looked back. He became the face of the Cowboys’ offense and has led the team to multiple playoff appearances. Prescott’s performance as a fourth-round pick was one of the greatest draft steals in Cowboys history, providing the team with a franchise quarterback at an incredibly affordable price.
Beyond Elliott and Prescott, McClay also made several other key picks in the 2016 draft, including Maliek Collins, Anthony Brown, and Jaylon Smith, all of whom became important contributors to the Cowboys’ defense. The 2016 draft is a defining moment in McClay’s tenure, as it produced two franchise cornerstones in Elliott and Prescott while also providing depth and talent across the roster.
2017 Draft: Strengthening the Defense
The 2017 draft marked another pivotal moment in McClay’s tenure. The Cowboys had identified that the defense was an area in need of improvement, particularly in terms of pass rushers and secondary help. In the first round, the Cowboys selected Taco Charlton, a defensive end from Michigan. Although Charlton’s tenure with the Cowboys was relatively short, McClay’s efforts in finding edge-rushing talent continued in later drafts.
However, the real gems of the 2017 draft were the selections of Chidobe Awuzie (second round) and Jourdan Lewis (third round), two cornerbacks who became integral parts of the Cowboys’ secondary. Awuzie quickly established himself as a starting cornerback, while Lewis proved to be a reliable playmaker in the nickel and dime packages. Together, they helped stabilize a secondary that had previously been a weak point for the team.
The Cowboys also added key contributors in Ryan Switzer, Damien Wilson, and Kavon Frazier, making the 2017 draft an important piece in the Cowboys’ ongoing effort to build a balanced roster.
2018 Draft: Offensive Line Depth and More
While the Cowboys didn’t have a first-round pick in 2018 due to a trade with the Oakland Raiders for Amari Cooper, McClay and the Cowboys still found significant value with their selections. The team’s most notable pick was Leighton Vander Esch in the first round, a linebacker from Boise State who quickly became the leader of the defense. Vander Esch brought athleticism and playmaking ability to the linebacker corps, making him one of the most important players on the Cowboys’ defense in the years that followed.
The Cowboys also picked up key contributors like Connor Williams (offensive line) and Michael Gallup (wide receiver), both of whom became important pieces in the team’s offensive and defensive rotations.
2020 Draft: Securing the Future with CeeDee Lamb
The 2020 NFL Draft was another example of McClay’s ability to find impact players. With the 17th overall pick, the Cowboys selected CeeDee Lamb, one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the draft. Lamb immediately became a favorite target for Dak Prescott, forming a lethal trio with Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. His ability to separate from defenders, make contested catches, and create yards after the catch made him a true weapon on offense. Lamb’s impact has been immediate, providing the Cowboys with a go-to wide receiver who can change the game.
The Cowboys also secured critical pieces in the 2020 draft, such as Trevon Diggs, a cornerback who developed into a top-tier corner in the NFL. Diggs’ ball-hawking ability and solid coverage skills helped solidify a previously shaky secondary.
Will McClay’s Legacy
Under Will McClay’s leadership, the Dallas Cowboys have built a strong and sustainable roster through the draft, continually adding talent at key positions. McClay’s ability to identify high-impact players across the board—whether in the first round or later—has given the Cowboys a competitive advantage. With his sharp eye for talent, a commitment to team-building, and the willingness to make bold decisions, McClay has set the Cowboys up for long-term success.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys will likely continue to benefit from McClay’s ability to evaluate and select players who fit the team’s culture and needs. His tenure as the Vice President of Player Personnel has been marked by consistent success, and his legacy as one of the NFL’s top talent evaluators continues to grow with each draft class. The Cowboys, thanks to McClay, are in a strong position to remain competitive in the coming years, and his draft successes will be a big part of their future achievements.