According to the league, a team losing more or better compensatory free agents than it acquires in the previous year is eligible to receive compensatory draft picks. The Cowboys gained three fifth-round picks (Nos. 170, 171 and 174) and one sixth-rounder (No. 211).

A run on defensive ends comes late in the first round, as the Lions get in on the action after seeing so many injuries at the position last season by drafting an All-American in Donovan Ezeiruaku who finished with 16.5 sacks last season in just 12 games.

The Dallas Cowboys have more ingredients for their "formula", but what they do with the added picks can make or break their future.