The NFL released its full list of compensatory picks for the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft on April 29th, with over 35 picks being awarded to 18 different teams.
The Cowboys earned four compensatory picks of their own, bringing their grand total of picks in this year's draft to nine as they attempt to replenish a depleted roster in the coming months.
Dallas was awarded a third-round pick (No. 99) for the departure of Byron Jones, a fourth-round pick (No. 139) for the exit of Robert Quinn, a fifth-round pick (No. 179) for the loss of Randall Cobb, and a sixth-round pick (No. 227) for the departure of Jeff Heath.
Compensatory picks, which are awarded between rounds three and seven to teams who lose players to free agency, take into account that departing player's average salary, snap count, and postseason accolades.
Not to be underestimated, compensatory picks do have a history of turning into solid or even great acquisitions for Dallas, including newly secured franchise face Dak Prescott, who signed a four-year $160 million deal on Monday evening. Prescott, of course, was taken in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft at No. 135 overall, a pick that was awarded to the Cowboys for the loss of former offensive lineman, Jeremy Parnell.
These additional picks now give Dallas improved flexibility in terms of how to approach the draft moving forward, and could give them more room to maneuver in terms of trading up or trading down to pick up additional assets.
