Now that we know that Cowboys have four compensatory choices, should they use those extra choices to go up and select the players who ranked highest on their draft board? I find it highly unlikely that 10 draft choices will be part of the team, or even train the cast. – LAYNE PETTY / FREDERICKSBURG, TX
To steal: There was definitely an extra layer of strategy, as the league allowed compensatory choices to be negotiated in 2017. You obviously cannot rule this out, because the Cowboys have shown in the past that they are not afraid to move up to a player they really want. They gave up on the regular choice of this year’s fifth round to pick up Tyler Biadasz last year. It just depends on the situation and whether you can find a willing team. Sometimes it is better to sit and choose. Someone named Dak Prescott was a compensatory recruitment choice.
David: Remember that two of these choices are not very valuable. The choices of the sixth round are not going to help you get high on the draft board. But the choices of the third and fourth round? Yes, you can do some damage there. If the opportunity arises to package, say, your choice of the second round and one of the choices of the third round to rise further in the second round – or perhaps even return to the first round? I would be very intrigued.
Assuming the health and improvement of the team for a medium league defense, do you think we should be big favorites to win the NFC East and reach the playoff in 2021? – LES HOFFMAN / PELL CITY, AL
To steal: Well, that question was asked of Dak and the Joneses (not big favorites, but favorites) on Wednesday. And they all feel that they can be in that situation with a healthy team next year. Honestly, I don’t see why not. The defense must obviously be addressed. And Washington must remain very competitive because of its defensive pressure. But if Dak was all right, they could have won an extra game or two, at the very least, and won the East last year. Of course they could.
David: Everyone always says the first step is to win the division – and winning NFC East has never felt easier on paper. The Cowboys came very close to winning last year, and that was with a terrible defense and without Dak Prescott. Running back with a healthier team, I really like their chances. Washington is the only other team in the division that currently resembles a playoff candidate, and they don’t have a quarterback. Obviously, reaching the playoffs and winning the Super Bowl are two completely different things. I think they need a really fantastic draft to become candidates for the championship. But the makeup is definitely there for them to be a playoff team and (hopefully) go further.