TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 09: Randy Gregory #94 of the Dallas Cowboys looks on after an interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium on September 09, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
When the Dallas Cowboys lost Randy Gregory to the Denver Broncos this offseason, they lost more than just a starting defensive end. Gregory was the last remaining member of the Cowboys’ 2015 NFL Draft class.
Seven years later, six of the eight guys are still playing, but they’re spread across the league in other uniforms. While it’s normal for things to change, it’s worth pointing out how many players from classes right around 2015 are still in Dallas.
The 2014 class included Zack Martin and DeMarcus Lawrence. The 2016 class included Ezekiel Elliott, Dak Prescott, and Anthony Brown.
The 2015 class members are gone for a variety of reasons. However, is it possible that this is an example of how the front office mismanages contract negotiations and spending? Gregory was a totally botched contract situation, and if the Cowboys had made that deal happen, it’s likely they could’ve used their 2022 second-round pick on another position group.
Additionally, Byron Jones ended up with the Dolphins when he became a free agent in 2020 because Dallas refused to pay the cornerback what he felt he was worth.
There are zero members of the Cowboys’ 2015 NFL Draft class still on the roster
So, where is the 2015 draft class now? We know Gregory is in Denver, but how about everyone else?
- Byron Jones: After five years with Dallas, he’s spent the last two in Miami. In 2021, he started 16 games for the Dolphins.
- Chaz Green: The tackle bounced around a lot after two years with Dallas. He spent singular years in Oakland, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh. In 2021, he started in zero games.
- Damien Wilson: Wilson spent 2019 and 2020 in Kansas City and 2021 with Jacksonville. Last season, he started in all 17 games for the Jaguars and collected an impressive 106 tackles.
- Ryan Russell: Russell struggled with injuries and getting playing time and only had three NFL playing years from 2015-2017, and all three were with different teams.
- Mark Nzeocha: The linebacker has spent the last five years with the San Francisco 49ers. He’s only made three starts in his time there.
- Laurence Gibson: Gibson struggled to make a name for himself. He spent time with eight teams but never really made his way to the field, mostly signing practice squad contracts.
The Cowboys are known for having players stick in the organization for a long while. Think about guys like Tyron Smith, Jason Witten, Troy Aikman, and others. They were mainstays on the Dallas roster for many, many seasons. It’s odd to see an entire draft class dissolve, especially when this organization takes great pride in its scouting and picks.
