IRVING, TEXAS ? The first draft pick of the Bill Parcells-Jerry Jones partnership lacked fireworks — no big trade, hardly even any debate.

Making what Jones called the safe choice, the Dallas Cowboys selected cornerback-returner Terence Newman from Kansas State with the fifth overall pick Saturday.

“We’re very much on the same page here,” Jones said. “As I’ve said from the beginning, this is a ‘we’ decision. Bill is very involved. He has tremendous respect from me and I really do listen to his input. He very much does influence the decisions that we make.”

Jones said the Cowboys considered moving down more than moving up. Once they decided to stick at No. 5, the choice came down to three players.

Newman’s proven ability at a position where the team needed help won out, overcoming questions about nerve damage in his left shoulder and the fact he’ll be 25 when the season begins, about two years older than the average first-rounder.