At a glance: As every other team in the league uses the off-season to get better, Dallas just tried to stay the same. All off-season natter was about long-term contracts for current Cowboys because the team couldn't afford to bring anyone in. Sure the team made the playoffs last season, but they didn't look like world-beaters compared to the NFC Rival Rams, Bears or Saints. So how the front office hopes the team will surpass those opponents - under a staff they reportedly considered moving on from in October - is a mystery.
Whether it's locking up pass rusher Demarcus Lawrence, quarterback Dak Prescott or running back Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas is focusing on staying with the guys that got it to the playoffs last season. It seems the late-season resurgence that helped the playoff push has been forgotten, along with mid-season questions over the coaching staff. It begs the question: how does this team expect to take the next step? Players and coaches have already shown their cards. The group in Dallas is certainly a talented bunch, but it doesn't look like it's built to win a Super Bowl. It's an unusual place to be.
The best way to assist a team tight on cap-space is via the draft, but - typically - the Cowboys traded their first round pick for wide receiver Amari Cooper -- another guy they need to pay. The team was able to tackle the hole left by self-exiled defensive tackle David Irving and brought in Trysten Hill with its first selection. The acquisition helps build ahead of a tricky 2020 off-season where 11 of Dallas' defensive contributors could be heading to free agency. Hill has an excellent first step and should mesh well in Dallas' scheme.
Third and fourth round picks Connor McGovern and Tony Pollard were also high selections at positions that could lose starters because of contract negotiations. It's a fine-balancing act Dallas is playing, but an awful headache for the front office too.
DRAFT PICKS (per ESPN)
2.26 Trysten Hill DT
3.26 Connor McGovern OG
4.26 Tony Pollard RB
5.20 Michael Jackson CB
5.27 Joe Jackson DE
6.40 Donovan Wilson S
7.04 Mike Weber RB
7.27 Jalen Jelks DE
ORIGINAL COVER PHOTO: Fansided
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