Cowboys offseason countdown: 99 facts until the regular season (Day 57)

Max Faulkner/Fort Worth Star-Telegram/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

We countdown the days to kickoff giving you an interesting fact about each number. Today is number 57

We are at day 57 of our 99 day countdown until the regular season. Here is your daily fact associated with number 57.

Today we honor the exceptional individual who consistently ensures that Dallas remains competitive during every draft period, and that person is none other than 57-year-old Will McClay.

Handout Photo-USA TODAY Sports

McClay competed as a defensive back at Rice University for a span of four years (1985-88). He was scouted by none other than Mike Nolan, who later assumed the role of defensive coordinator for the Cowboys in 2020. In 1988, McClay was enlisted by the Arena League to join the Detroit Drive, where he showcased his skills as both a wide receiver and defensive back for a duration of four seasons.

McClay then served as a defensive coordinator for the Milwaukee Mustangs and the Florida Bobcats in 1995 and 1996, respectively. In 1997, he transitioned to the management side of football, taking on the roles of defensive coordinator and director of player personnel for the Anaheim Piranhas. Following this, he became an assistant head coach and director of player personnel for the Grand Rapids Rampage. He then moved to the XFL, where he held positions as the director of player personnel, consultant, and scout for the Orlando Rage. Finally, in 2001, he entered the NFL as the assistant director of pro scouting for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

In 2002, he began his career with Dallas as a pro scout, eventually moving up to the position of pro scouting coordinator in 2009. Following two years in this role, he was once again promoted, this time to director of football research. In this capacity, he assessed players on NFL rosters and in other leagues, utilized advanced scouting and analytic techniques to evaluate Dallas’ opponents, and supervised the scouting department’s technological resources.

His career trajectory took a significant leap in 2014 when he was appointed assistant director of player personnel, overseeing his inaugural NFL draft for the team. The Cowboys made a stellar choice with their first selection, picking Notre Dame All-Pro and standout guard Zack Martin. Subsequently, they added DeMarcus Lawrence in the second round and Anthony Hitchens in the fourth round. His initial draft proved to be a resounding success.

McClay was then promoted twice more, first to Senior Director of Pro/College Scouting and then to his current position as Vice President of Player Personnel. He is currently in his 21st season with the Cowboys. Since taking the lead in the draft process, the Cowboys have experienced unprecedented success, consistently discovering top-tier talent each year. McClay’s scouting abilities are highly regarded around the league, with other teams offering him general manager positions annually. However, Dallas has successfully kept him on board. It is difficult to imagine where the team would be without McClay’s expertise and knowledge and the hope he stays for the long term future is something all Cowboys fans can agree on.

Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

---

Cowboys Training Camp, Oxnard, 25th July (12 days to go).