The long-awaited and stratospherically-hyped 2018 NFL Draft is now in the rear view, and it didn't disappoint.

Hosted by the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, TX, the pomp-and-circumstance was substantive and made for arguably the best draft experience in the history of the NFL. Attendance numbers were never officially released, but it's a foregone assumption by many that it set new records. And while NFL fans found themselves enjoying every moment in North Texas, whether they love the Cowboys or despise them, the team itself was working hard behind the scenes to make sure they came out of the event with a much-improved roster following the tumultuous offseason that included the release of All-Pro wide receiver Dez Bryant.

And then, of course, came news of the retirement of legendary tight end Jason Witten -- news of the decision leaking on Day Two of draft and forcing the Cowboys to scramble in a big way. Overall, the team did a magnificent job of balancing patience with need, as has been the case the past few drafts, landing explosive talent at several key positions. Now with rookie minicamp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp behind them, the first NFL training camp for the new class is rapidly approaching with a July 25 start in Oxnard, CA.

For all the work they've already put in this summer, the new guard is about to truly find out what it means to fight for your roster spot at the professional level, because this time around there's going to be a whole lot of contact, and the intensity level jumps to 10.

Let's take a moment before the battles flare to again look at the newest Cowboys and determine how they fit into the grand scheme of things this coming season, and if all nine of them truly have a shot at surviving the final roster cutdowns in early September. There's also one undrafted free agent who's already making a name for himself, so let's throw him in this breakdown as well, shall we?

And be sure to give a listen to the latest "Catch This Fade" podcast on iTunes, where I join K.D. Drummond of The Cowboys Wire to answer all your burning, pre-camp questions.