The book can be officially closed on the Dallas Cowboys 2020 season. Their 6-10 record and strength the schedule helped earn them the 10th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but that's just one of many picks they should have at their disposal to help upgrade their roster.
As things stand right now the Dallas Cowboys have a total of six draft picks to work with in the 2021 NFL Draft. That however will change once compensatory picks are awarded. If my calculations are correct the Cowboys should receive the max number of four, which would bring their total to 10.
Understanding the NFL compensatory pick formula is a slippery slope, but as near as I can figure it Byron Jones, Robert Quinn, Randall Cobb, and Jeff Heath leaving via free agency last year earned the Dallas Cowboys a compensatory pick each. All of the other free agent signings and leavings cancel themselves out.
If my calculations are correct Byron Jones will net the Dallas Cowboys a third-round compensatory pick, Robert Quinn a fourth, Randall Cobb a fifth, and Jeff Heath a seventh-rounder. Not bad for a couple of one-year rentals and a player many fans tried to chase out of town for years (Jeff Heath).
Dallas Cowboys 2021 Draft Picks by Round:
Round 1
Round 2
Round 3
Round 3 (Byron Jones compensatory pick)
Round 4
Round 4 (Robert Quinn compensatory pick)
Round 5 (Randall Cobb compensatory pick)
Round 6 (Everson Griffin trade to Detroit Lions)
Round 7
Round 7 (Jeff Heath compensatory pick)
Now, this is purely a projection on my part. I in no way think I understand the NFL's compensatory pick formula better or worse than anyone else. With that in mind, you can take my calculations with a grain of salt. However, I wouldn't be surprised if this is exactly how things turn out.
All of this of course can change. Trades can be made before and during the 2021 NFL Draft that would increase or decrease the amount of picks the Dallas Cowboys have to work with. For now though, this is an accurate prediction as any in my opinion.
