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By David Moore , Staff Writer Contact David Moore on Twitter: @DavidMooreDMN
FRISCO -- The spectacle Jerry Jones loves to create around his franchise was on full display on the first night of the NFL draft.
That took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
The more patient, disciplined approach management has taken toward talent acquisition in recent years was evident at the Cowboys headquarters.
The owner's once insatiable appetite to wheel and deal has subsided. The Cowboys have now gone five consecutive years without making a first round trade, easily the longest stretch in Jones' tenure.
What the Cowboys did Thursday night was stay put, even as one of the most high-profile athletes of the draft drifted their way, and took Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch at No. 19.
No big splash. No intricate maneuvering. The Cowboys trusted their board and preparation to take a player they compare to Rolando McClain, minus the off the field issues that went along with the former Alabama star.
"We were called to trade down,'' Jones said late Thursday evening from The Star. "We never called to trade up.''
Vander Esch had his fingers crossed at AT&T Stadium before he name was called. He was hoping and praying the Cowboys would be the team to launch his professional career.
"I feel like I was the perfect piece of the puzzle,'' Vander Esch said. "I don't feel like I could fit in any better.''
The Cowboys don't take linebackers in the first round often. The last was Bobby Carpenter in 2006. That last before that was Robert Jones in '92.
Why Vander Esch? Why now?
The departure of Anthony Hitchens in free agency and the injury history of the linebackers left behind elevated the need at this position.
The Cowboys hoped to retain Hitchens but feared it wouldn't have the salary cap room to make it happen. They were right. Kansas City came in with a five-year, $45 million contract. As much as the organization thinks of Sean Lee and Jaylon Smith, their struggle with injuries left the defense vulnerable at this position.
Vander Esch has the versatility to play all three linebacker spots but appears best suited for the middle. The rookie looks forward to teaming with Lee and Smith to "play sideline to sideline and wreak havoc with those guys.''
The selection means the Boise State pipeline continues. Cornerback Orlando Scandrick, now in Washington, was first. Then came defensive lineman Tyrone Crawford and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence. All have been starters and key contributors to the Dallas defense over the last 10 years.
What's the organization's fascination with players from this program?
"It's how we're wired,'' Vander Esch said. "We're going to put ourselves in the best position possible. We love playing football.
"We're hard-nosed dudes who find ways to get to the ball and make plays.''
Here is what head coach Jason Garrett has to say about the 6-foot-4, 250-pound linebacker.
"He's a pretty unique guy,'' Garrett said. "When you watch him play sideline to sideline, he makes a lot of plays in the run game, in the box, in space. His best quality is his ability to cover the pass, both in zone and man to man.
"Talk about the right kind of guy. He's the right kind of guy in every way.''
In the days leading up to the draft executive vice president Stephen Jones made it clear the team would be content to let the board fall their way. He did say if a top 10 player that piqued their interest got close, if they looked up and saw a blue chip player only two or three picks away, the club would think about making a move up.
Safety Derwin James was still on the board when the Los Angeles Chargers went on the clock at No. 17.
Nothing happened. No call was made.
Owner Jerry Jones said earlier in the week that the organization recognized the hole that needed to be filled with Dez Bryant's release. The club didn't reach to fill that hole on opening night.
The Cowboys went for linebacker instead.
"It made me speechless,'' Vander Esch said. "It was the craziest moment of my life so far.
"I don't think things could have gone any better.''
