Cowboys meet with speedy running back Devon Achane
A potential offensive difference-maker is on the radar.
The Dallas Cowboys are expected to place the franchise tag on Tony Pollard in the near future. Such a move would ensure that the versatile running back is with the team for at least one more season.
Pollard puts the Cowboys in a difficult situation. On one hand, Pollard was the most electric player on the offense this past season. He produced when he got the ball, be it as a rusher or receiver.
It was evident that he made the offense better. However, it is always a risk to pay a running back a second contract. Especially a back that is coming off an injury that will take months to fully recover from.
Placing the tag on Pollard will pay the running back just over $10 million for the 2023 season. Depending on what Dallas opts to do with Ezekiel Elliott's contract, there could be a decent amount of money on the books for an invaluable position.
Therefore, it would be a wise strategy for the Dallas Cowboys to draft a running back this April. Especially considering this class is loaded with talent – from Bijan Robinson all the way down the list.
One of the backs that the Cowboys have met with is Texas A&M ball carrier Devon Achane. Achane is a track star that was the fastest player on the field in the SEC while in college. He rushed for 21 touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry with the Aggies.
His speed was put on full display at the combine. Achane recorded a blazing 4.34 unofficial 40-yard dash. Such a time is further evidence that he has game-altering speed that would greatly help the Cowboys.
Additionally, Achane handled kick return duties for the Aggies. In that department, he averaged more than 30 yards per return and scored two touchdowns on 20 tries. Similarly to how Pollard began his career, Achane has the ability to make an impact in that regard, too.
It is a very realistic – maybe even likely – scenario that the Cowboys take a running back on the first two days of the NFL Draft. If that is indeed the case, Devon Achane should be near the top of that board.
Featured image via Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
