Jerry Jones, the general manager of the Dallas Cowboys, often faces criticism for his work, but he received unexpected public praise for his draft record from ESPN analyst Tim Hasselbeck.
On a Thursday episode of ESPN's "NFL Live," former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck expressed that Jones deserves recognition for how the Cowboys have constructed their roster through the draft in recent years.
"I think we've got to give Jerry Jones, the general manager, a little bit of credit," Hasselbeck said, noting that while Jones has a full personnel department around him, the Cowboys "have drafted talent extremely well."
"I think we've gotta give Jerry Jones, [the] general manager, a little bit of credit."@tthasselbeck trusts the Cowboys will make the right decisions in this year's NFL draft 🤠 pic.twitter.com/W1abBxi2ki
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 19, 2026
Hasselbeck's comments come as Dallas approaches the draft with two first-round picks and the opportunity to improve a roster that hasn't reached the NFC Championship Game in 30 years. His remarks emphasized a graphic showing that Dallas is tied with New England for the most First-Team All-Pro draft picks (20) since Jerry Jones bought the team in 1989.
Despite these strong drafts, Dallas has struggled to make deep playoff runs, which keeps Jones' dual role as owner and general manager under scrutiny. Hasselbeck's praise suggests that the league is recognizing how Jones and his staff have strategically positioned the Cowboys for this year's draft.
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