In 1979, the Dallas Cowboys drafted center Robert Shaw in the first round. Two years later, America’s Team selected another first-round offensive lineman: guard Howard Richards. Regular injuries hindered Richards and Shaw’s promising careers. Richards played in only 69 games over seven seasons, and Shaw appeared in 33 games before his career ended after just three seasons.
Dallas waited thirty years drafting another lineman in the first round, selecting left tackle Tyron Smith seventh overall in 2011. He proved to be a wise choice, getting named to the 2011 NFL All-Rookie Team. The Cowboys waited only two years before grabbing another first-round lineman, center Travis Frederick, in 2013 and added right guard Zack Martin in the first round the following year.