Jerry Jones: Martin, Donald, Barr and Shazier had same grade on Cowboys' board

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 7:56 p.m. ET

foxsports

IRVING, Texas -- Landing a defensive player like UCLA DE Anthony Barr, Pittsburgh DT Aaron Donald or Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier would've addressed a glaring need for the Dallas Cowboys. After all, they were the NFL's worst defensive unit in 2013.

But all three of those players were already off the board when the Cowboys were on the clock Thursday night. According to Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones, they chose a player that was graded the same as those three â Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin.

"All of those guys were right there with the same grade," Jones said, referring to Martin, Barr, Donald and Shazier.

Barr went to Minnesota at No. 9, Donald was taken by St. Louis at No. 13 and Shazier was drafted by Pittsburgh at No. 15.

Sorry Johnny Manziel fans, but it doesn't sound like the Texas A&M quarterback was a big part of the discussion. Manziel was selected by Cleveland at No. 22.

"It frankly was not even a thought," Jones said. "[Drafting Martin] was such an obvious football decision."