Cowboys OTAs: Deuce Vaughn getting some work in at new position to increase roster chances
Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn has to be one of the most intriguing players for the fanbase ahead of the 2024 NFL season. The 2023 sixth-round draft pick quickly became a fan favorite thanks to two things 1) his awesome playmaking skills in college, which is one of the most electrifying highlight tapes in recent […]
Dallas Cowboys running back Deuce Vaughn has to be one of the most intriguing players for the fanbase ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
The 2023 sixth-round draft pick quickly became a fan favorite thanks to two things 1) his awesome playmaking skills in college, which is one of the most electrifying highlight tapes in recent memory and 2) the unique story about he and his dad, who works as a scout for the Cowboys.
To make things even better, Vaughn lit it up in the preseason and quickly positioned himself as a 53-man roster lock. Fast forward to 2024, though, and Vaughn is doing everything in his power to stick around. That includes spending time with a different position group.
Deuce Vaughn getting work in at wide receiver during Cowboys OTAs
Vaughn was seen at practice with the wide receiver group and later confirmed to reporters he's spending time with the pass-catchers while still being a running back.
"Day-by-day, some day some day they'll come in and be like 'you're with the receivers today'", Vaughn told reporters on Thursday. "Today was one of those days, for myself every single day trying to get one percent better."
Vaughn got off to a rocky start as a rookie, particularly struggling in pass protection not just because of his size but because of awareness, too. After the loss to the San Francisco 49ers, the young running back's playing time took a significant hit and even was inactive for a good chunk of the season, recording seven games played by the time it was all said and done.
Vaughn understands he's got to be valuable for the team to earn a roster spot.
"Just that value aspect, being able to do a multitude of things and just bettering my game and finding the way to be on the field to contribute is the biggest thing for myself," Vaughn added.
Exploiting his skills as a pass catcher can earn Vaughn a unique spot on the running back committee the Cowboys have talked so much about. Rico Dowdle appears to be the most balanced back and the favorite to lead the group while the current version of Ezekiel Elliott is a prime candidate to specialize as the power back in short-yardage situations and as a pass protector in passing downs.
But Vaughn could be the go-to guy to deal some damage in the passing game. He mentioned his versatility at Kansas State is what made him special. Cowboys offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was of the same mindset as Vaughn reveals it was he who first approached him about the possibility to spend time with the receivers to develop him.
"Talking with (Schottenheimer) just a little bit about getting with that slot, getting with Brandin Cooks, getting with a guy that plays out there and just learning a little bit more about it because it's one of the things I did in college and I love to do," Vaughn said.
Vaughn takes inspiration in former Cowboys' fan favorite
"When I went upstairs and started watching, the guy I watched was Cole Beasley," Vaughn revealed. "Not a big guy in prowess, but his IQ of the game, seeing coverages, being able to sit down in zones, and understanding how to beat leverage was unreal. Just watching him over this offseason, that's one of the guys I watched a whole bunch."
Vaughn becoming a weapon in the passing game underneath could be huge for the Cowboys offense. With last year's pass-happy approach, the Cowboys saw a lot of two-high coverages as defenses respected what Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and friends were doing. Having a back that can punish defenses for playing that way as a receiver could be a good method of countering such coverages.
And if he can line up as a straight up WR, even better.
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