How the Cowboys Built a Winning Team Through Smart Draft Picks and Trades

I remember sitting through the Cowboys' 2021 season, watching them grind through games with what many analysts called an "extremely slow pace" of team building. That deliberate approach certainly polarized fans and commentators alike, but for me, it represented a job well done in team construction, even if it wasn't always executed perfectly. Much like how some video games divide players with their methodical pacing yet ultimately deliver a satisfying experience, the Cowboys' front office demonstrated that strategic patience in the draft and trade market can yield remarkable results despite occasional frustrations.

When Jerry Jones and Will McClay began this rebuilding phase back in 2016, they committed to what I'd call "selective aggression" in their team-building philosophy. They understood that championship teams aren't built overnight, nor are they constructed through reckless spending. Instead, they embraced a methodical approach that prioritized long-term value over short-term excitement. I've always believed that the draft represents the lifeblood of sustainable success in the NFL, and Dallas proved this theory correct by hitting on approximately 68% of their picks between 2016-2021, significantly above the league average of around 52%. Their 2016 draft class alone produced four starters who would become foundational pieces, including Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott - though I'd argue Prescott's development exceeded even their wildest expectations.

What truly impressed me about their strategy was how they leveraged their draft capital to make strategic trades rather than chasing big-name free agents. The Amari Cooper trade in 2018 perfectly illustrates this approach - they surrendered their 2019 first-round pick to acquire a true number one receiver, a move that immediately transformed their offense. Some critics called it reckless, but I saw it as calculated and necessary. Cooper's impact was immediate and profound, giving Prescott the weapon he needed to evolve into an elite quarterback. The front office demonstrated similar wisdom in their more recent trade for Stephon Gilmore, giving up only a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick to secure an experienced cornerback who immediately stabilized their secondary.

The draft strategy itself reflected what I consider brilliant restraint. Rather than reaching for need, they consistently selected the best player available, even when it didn't address immediate weaknesses. This approach required patience from ownership, coaches, and fans alike. I recall specifically their 2021 draft class, where they selected Micah Parsons at 12th overall despite having other pressing needs. That pick demonstrated extraordinary vision - Parsons has since developed into arguably the best defensive player in football, recording 13 sacks and 84 tackles in his rookie season alone. Their ability to identify transformative talent like Parsons, even when it didn't fill an obvious hole, separates them from more reactionary franchises.

Where I think they've been particularly clever is in their management of the salary cap through these drafted players. By building through the draft rather than free agency, they've maintained remarkable financial flexibility. Prescott's contract extension in 2021, while massive at $160 million over four years, represented fair value for a franchise quarterback developed in-house. The structure allowed them to retain key pieces like Zack Martin while still having room to make strategic additions. This financial discipline, combined with their draft success, created what I'd describe as a virtuous cycle - successful drafts lead to cap flexibility, which enables strategic trades and extensions.

There were certainly moments where their methodical approach tested my patience as an observer. The 2020 season particularly comes to mind, when their refusal to address certain defensive deficiencies through free agency felt frustratingly conservative. The team finished 6-10 that year, and I questioned whether their process was too rigid. Yet in retrospect, that difficult season positioned them to select Parsons, proving that sometimes short-term pain yields long-term gain. Their restraint during that period, while unpopular at the time, ultimately served their broader vision.

The Cowboys' recent success - including back-to-back 12-win seasons in 2021 and 2022 - validates their patient team-building philosophy. They've created a roster where approximately 75% of their starters are homegrown talent, supplemented by strategic acquisitions like Cooper and Gilmore. This approach has yielded a team with both young talent and veteran leadership, creating what I consider the ideal balance for sustained contention. Their journey reminds me that successful team building, much like enjoying a deliberately paced novel or video game, requires appreciating the process rather than constantly seeking instant gratification.

Looking at their current roster construction, I'm particularly impressed by how they've maintained competitive depth while managing their cap situation. They've successfully extended their core players while still having approximately $18 million in cap space heading into the 2023 season. This financial health, combined with their continued draft success, positions them well for the future. While their process hasn't been perfect - no team's ever is - their commitment to building through the draft while making selective trades represents what I believe is the optimal approach to sustained success in the modern NFL. The Cowboys' methodical team building may have tried fans' patience at times, but the results speak for themselves.