Cowboys OTAs: One position that will feature three different battles
The Dallas Cowboys' offensive backfield will look a lot different following the team's release of Ezekiel Elliott. The departure of Zeke leaves a void the size of 269 rush attempts per year, his career average. Naturally, running back will be one of the most fun positions to watch in this year's offseason. Sure, a healthy […]
The Dallas Cowboys' offensive backfield will look a lot different following the team's release of Ezekiel Elliott. The departure of Zeke leaves a void the size of 269 rush attempts per year, his career average.
Naturally, running back will be one of the most fun positions to watch in this year's offseason.
Sure, a healthy Tony Pollard is the surefire starter on the team. However, there are at least three battles to watch at the position. Let's break them down.
Who's making the team?
Beyond Pollard, I'd bet the only safe answer to this question is sixth-round draft pick, Deuce Vaughn. The Cowboys are high on his upside and believe he can be a dynamic weapon. Special teams coordinator John Fassel also said he projects him as a kick/punt returner, which could help him compete for a more significant role than expected early on.
Assuming the Cowboys carry three running backs (excluding a fullback, more on that later), the battle for that third spot will come down to a couple of young guys and an experienced veteran.
Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle, who have shown very promising flashes in the past, should have the inside track over Ronald Jones. They've been with the team for longer and present the staff with upside at this point in their careers.
Battle for RB2
Once the Cowboys decide between Davis, Dowdle, and Jones, it'll be one of them against the dynamic rookie for the RB2 gig. To me, this one is all about Vaughn answering a couple of key questions.
Does his size prove to be a liability in pass pro at the NFL level? He's shown proper technique in very limited pass pro reps while at Kansas State. And secondly, will he earn a role on special teams? RB2 and special teams don't have to necessarily correlate, but it does help to get into those 48 active players on gameday.
Fullback vs. tight ends?
This is a tricky one. The Cowboys signed UDFA Hunter Luepke for $200,000 in total guaranteed money and with Mike McCarthy taking over the offense, he has a legit shot at making the roster as a fullback.
But can the team carry four backs and four tight ends? I'm putting my money against that. With a pass-catching fullback playing a similar role as an H-back, I believe Luepke must beat the team's "fourth" tight end for a spot on the 53.
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