Breaking Down the ‘Boys: UCLA RB Johnathan Franklin will be on Cowboys’ radar

[RS12]

Three things in life are certain: death, taxes, and the Cowboys taking a running back in the 2013 NFL Draft. Lance Dunbar is a nice No. 3, but there’s no doubt that Dallas is going to be adding another running back to their roster prior to the start of the season. UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin will be on their radar.

Scouting Report

Franklin was a highly-productive player in four years at UCLA, averaging 5.6 YPC and scoring 34 total touchdowns during his career. Franklin really shined as a senior in 2012 with 1,734 yards and 15 total touchdowns.

Franklin is an extremely well-rounded player who can do a whole lot of things really well. He’s obviously got running ability—both inside and out. He catches the ball out of the backfield, as his 33 receptions in 2012 indicate. He’s good in pass protection, even at his 5-10, 205-pound frame. And most important, Franklin can take any touch to the house.

In the game against Nebraska (below), Franklin showed off his full range of skills. The tape really speaks for itself. You can see Franklin do a solid job in pass protection at the 0:17 and 5:26 marks. Others argue that Franklin can’t block, but that’s probably a conclusion that’s prematurely generated because of his size. I watched four UCLA games in full, and Franklin looks to have the willingness and ability to stand up in pass protection.

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[RS12]

Of the group he is talking about, I like Randle.

 

[Gaede]

He better be.

I think this is an excellent class for RB and we can easily get a good contributor/potential starter.

You could give me Franklin, Taylor, or Bell and I'd happy as a pig in

 

[IAmLegend]

I've been saying we should draft Johnathon Franklin for 3 months now. I'd love him in the 3rd or 4th. He's underrated and his style of running translates well to the next level. PLus he can catch the ball well out of the backfield.

 

[jobberone]

I hope we do take a RB; in the later rounds. 4s ok but I'd rather spend the 1-3 picks on S and OL for the most part with the obvious exceptions of a player falling yada.

 

[koolaid]

I like Franklin. Everything he has done indicates he will be a good NFL back. There are a few guys in this class I wouldn't mind seeing us draft somewhere in the 2nd through 4th round.

 

[JonJon]

I hope we do take a RB; in the later rounds. 4s ok but I'd rather spend the 1-3 picks on S and OL for the most part with the obvious exceptions of a player falling yada.

Me too. Here are a few I'm keeping an eye on:

Stefphon Jefferson, RB, Nevada, 5'11" 213, 4.68
[youtube]TmKoev-8PTs[/youtube]

strengths: third team AP-All American, highly productive record breaking junior season, can handle a full load, good vision, patient allowing hole to develop, good burst through LOS, runs with authority, makes smart decisions
weaknesses: runs high, doesn't show much agility, blocking needs to improve, lacks breakaway speed
analysis: durable, dependable, runner that can move the chains. Will project as a backup but can carry the load when his number is called. projected FA


Miguel Maysonet, RB, Stony Brook, 5'9" 209, 4.54
[youtube]CCW3sKo20rs[/youtube]

strengths: Extremely productive for three seasons, can play multiple pro formations, decisive open field cuts to pick up additional yards, finds open lanes, doesn't waste movement, determined runner, doesn't go down easily, legs never stop moving, protects the ball, has enough speed to make big gains.
weaknesses: runs upright, lacks creativity when caught behind LOS, small school
analysis: my favorite type of RB, very consistent and productive, set multiple records with his aggressive running style. Could be this year's Alfred Morris. projected 7-FA

 

[Biggems]

if we didnt have so many other needs, I wouldnt mind drafting Franklin in the late 2nd/early 3rd and then gaining a 7th to use on Knile Davis.

 

[RS12]

Second time today somebody pointing out Miguel Maysonet. Havent seen him play.

 

[JonJon]

Second time today somebody pointing out Miguel Maysonet. Havent seen him play.

Watch the vid I posted. He had a few really good runs on there.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

Of the group he is talking about, I like Randle.

I really like him, too. Not that different from Kendall Hunter, who did pretty well for the Niners.

But I will say that Stretch Smith, who has been dead on about a lot of our moves this offseason, seems to think we'll look for a big power back to complement Murray.

 

[Questfor6]

I really like him, too. Not that different from Kendall Hunter, who did pretty well for the Niners.

But I will say that Stretch Smith, who has been dead on about a lot of our moves this offseason, seems to think we'll look for a big power back to complement Murray.

I'm fine with Montee Ball, Le'Veon Bell and Rex Burkhead if that's the case.

 

[speedkilz88]

Franklin's tape @ Nebraska reminds me of Murray's senior year tape. OL didn't give him much room between the tackles and he had to find room down the sidelines and in the passing game down the sidelines.

 

[tm1119]

Second time today somebody pointing out Miguel Maysonet. Havent seen him play.

Take it for what its worth....but both Kiper and McShay picked him as their sleeper RB out of this draft class today on ESPN. They both spoke very highly of him and said they feel like his game translate well to the NFL. If I recall correctly McShay even said he could go as high as the 5th.

 

[Gaede]

Good call on Maysonet...looks like a player

 

[jcollins28]

I would love for the Cowboys to draft the "Mayor". I will never forgive Parcells for passing on MJD for a tight end....:bang2: