After winning the division and securing the top seed in the NFC in 2016, Dallas Cowboys fans were subdued as their team got fleeced in free agency.
The prevailing hope was the 2017 NFL draft would cure all ails. After all Dallas was only a 3rd and 20 stop away from overtime in the NFC Divisional round.
On paper the draft seemed to admirably address most free agency losses. But rookies are rookies, and injury setbacks are part of the process.
Rookie development came along slowly for all three top draft picks. Plus multiple suspensions and in-season injuries to stars crushed continuity.