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Dallas Cowboys awarded four compensatory draft picks

By Steven Mullenax

NEW YORK - APRIL 23: NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue speaks at the podium during the 70th NFL Draft on April 23, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - APRIL 23: NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue speaks at the podium during the 70th NFL Draft on April 23, 2005 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys are one of only four NFL teams that have now been awarded four compensatory draft picks for the upcoming 2018 NFL Draft.

The Dallas Cowboys experienced a massive free agency exodus last offseason. Losing names like safety Barry Church, cornerback Brandon Carr, left guard Ronald Leary and defensive tackle Terrell McClain. It was part of a youth movement in Dallas. One that saw these longtime veterans being replaced by rookies and much younger players.

But for the Cowboys’ front office, there was also a method to their madness. By allowing so many quality players to leave via free agency, they knew it would increase their chances of landing some high compensatory draft selections in the 2018 NFL Draft.

And now, we know the amount and placement of those compensatory selections. According to Michael Signora, NFL Vice President of Football Communications, the Dallas Cowboys have been awarded four extra draft picks to use in the upcoming draft. They include the following …

  • FOURTH ROUND – 137TH OVERALL
  • FIFTH ROUND – 171ST OVERALL
  • FIFTH ROUND – 173RD OVERALL
  • SIXTH ROUND – 208TH OVERALL

The Cowboys join the Cincinnati Bengals, the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland Raiders as the only NFL teams to receive four compensatory selections this year. The allocation of compensatory picks is based on an unknown formula that takes into account a team’s free agency adds and losses, their salaries and performances.

Unfortunately, the Cowboys were not awarded one of the four highly-sought after third round selections handed out this year. But Dallas has to feel pretty good about getting four extra picks after not having not been awarded any in 2017. And remember, their fourth round compensatory selection in 2016 was used to draft quarterback Dak Prescott.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft - Full first round

Unlike in some previous year, these newly awarded compensatory selections can be traded. So the Dallas Cowboys now have some extra ammunition if they choose to move up in the draft at any point.

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