Dallas Running Back Plan

Chuck 54

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It's one thing to share your personal hopes and dreams because you want to see a name in the first round that you recognize, but what do you really think the RB plan is for 2015?

Personally, I don't see any way we draft Gurley or Gordon in round 1. We fans may not believe in McFadden, Randal, and Dunbar, but we signed one, and neither of the other two were released with all the RB options out there, despite also signing Ryan Williams.

I think the Cowboys are serious about seeing what McFadden can do behind our OL.
I think the Cowboys are serious about seeing what Ryan Williams can do behind this line and away from the scout team.
I believe the Cowboys believe in what they've seen from Randal in limited duty.
I believe the Cowboys know what they have in Dunbar and may be committed to seeing him more on 3rd downs.

Demarco Murray was the 71st selection in his draft, third round, and that wasn't even a deep draft for RBs. I don't believe for a second that the Cowboys think Gurley's or Gordon's upside is that much higher than any one of 6 or more other RBs in the draft to warrant selecting a RB so high.

The Cowboys are very likely to see a number of DTs that can step into the rotation right away at #27 and really solidify that position group. They are likely to see at least 2-3 worthy CBs who might step in and start the season as our 3rd best corner on the field. There's a chance they may see the top FS prospect there or another worthy DE, and I feel very confident that they will see a top notch LB available at #27.

Those are all positions of much greater need that, in later rounds, also need more development than a RB. The Cowboys can add a fifth RB to their stable, one with great upside, on the 2nd and even 3rd day. I, for one, don't believe that Gurley or Gordon stand to have a much more successful pro career, much less rookie season, than Duke Johnson or Jay Ajayi or even lesser prospects like Buck Allen of USC.

Who was the last RB at Wisconsin who didn't have a great career in college? Who was the last one to translate big to the NFL? Who was the last RB to struggle in Georgia's run game? Who was the last one to make it big in the NFL? We could ask those questions about most RB's. There isn't a sure thing. I won't be surprised if Duke Johnson ends up having a better career in the NFL than any back in this draft.

Strengthen the defensive with a CB, LB, or DL in round 1....almost all mocks have quality players available at 27. Find another RB and another WR on another day. I think once again, Jerry will listen to Stephen and McClay, and I find it hard to imagine either of them telling him to take any RB in round 1.
 

visionary

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Good OP
I am not in favor of RB in rd 1 and I still think we will get AP
The more I think about what we have done so far the more I'm convinced that rd 1 will be CB and rd 2-3 will be DL. There is value at those positions in the draft in the bottom of those rounds IMO
 

Arkyvarminter

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I agree with what your saying. The fact is that last year we were close to going all the way due to a good running game. I don't think they will risk going into the season with a question mark at RB. If we don't get AP, we will be drafting a RB early. I agree with you that we need help on D though.......
 

Hawkeye19

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I honestly believe the Cowboys are going in to the draft with an open mind. They don't "have" to take anybody. They've covered themselves at virtually every position.

They can let the draft come to them-- and the key thing is-- they can select value when they're on the clock. And if Minnesota lowers their demands on AP-- they can pull the trigger there if they want to. The best thing about this offseason so far is that Dallas in the driver's seat on all these issues b/c they've been smart in FA.

When it comes to the RB position specifically-- I think #27 is the perfect place to land the top 1 or 2 RBs in the draft-- which would be great value for the pick there. At that point-- would you rather get a RB with the ceiling to be elite-- or a pass rusher with the potential to be "good"?
 

AzorAhai

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I think people are in denial. The Cowboys clearly want to address the RB position early in the draft. They have brought in nearly every RB prospect projected to get drafted in the 1st or 2nd RD for an in town visit. These are the players the team WILL try to take. You may not agree with it, you may not like it, but the Cowboys obviously a targeting the top end prospects.

Now they may not draft one, because its more than possible the players they want go before their picks in rd 1 and 2. They clearly want a RB high and reading into the current RBs on the team is foolish. Why would they release them now if they don't need to?
 

JoeKing

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Good OP
I am not in favor of RB in rd 1 and I still think we will get AP
The more I think about what we have done so far the more I'm convinced that rd 1 will be CB and rd 2-3 will be DL. There is value at those positions in the draft in the bottom of those rounds IMO

I think we will go after AP too but how do we do that if we do as you say with our draft picks? Minny will want to be compensated.
 

CCBoy

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Although there is talent at running back on the current roster, I just don't see a playoff valuable one yet...so defensive tackle and running back would be tops on my list.
 

Kolemmitt

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I think Murray is a very good running back, but I am very curious to see what would happen if an elite running back ran behind this line. Also, with Romo only having a few more years, I do not favor waiting to see if Mcfadden can still be elite. I think Gurley has a very good chance to be elite.
 

funkytown

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I think we draft best player available in the 1st round. That is what they have been doing, and its working.

If Gurley is on the board, he very well may be the best player available. Teams have been shying away from RB in the 1st round, but Gurley was looking like a top 10 pick before his injury.

The RB I want is Jay Ajayi. Would love to grab a Cornerback in the 1st round and Ajayi in the 2nd.
 

Joe Realist

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I think we will go after AP too but how do we do that if we do as you say with our draft picks? Minny will want to be compensated.

I hope we pass on Peterson. Would make for a great car ride with Hardy though...
 

Vinnie2u

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I'm hoping Gurley and Gordon go before Dallas picks... So fans won't complain that we didn't pick them and it'll push a player we really want to us..
 

DCBoysfan

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I still don't believe Gurley and Gordon are going early in round one. The draft never goes as expected there are always surprises. One of those backs will available at 27 if Dallas wants IMO.
 

CF74

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I've been back and forth on this in my mind and my final conclusion is still the same: BPA that falls to us in several positions such as, DT, CB, LB, FS, DE, QB, OT, RB, KR, or G.. Otherwise trade down...
 

AzorAhai

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I'm hoping Gurley and Gordon go before Dallas picks... So fans won't complain that we didn't pick them and it'll push a player we really want to us..

So the Cowboys are blowing a giant smoke screen by wasting a huge number of only 30 in town visits on players they really don't want? I find myself questioning the logic in this. Especially when 8 of the draft picks the last 2 years have been in town visits.
 

Silver N Blue

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It's one thing to share your personal hopes and dreams because you want to see a name in the first round that you recognize, but what do you really think the RB plan is for 2015?

Personally, I don't see any way we draft Gurley or Gordon in round 1. We fans may not believe in McFadden, Randal, and Dunbar, but we signed one, and neither of the other two were released with all the RB options out there, despite also signing Ryan Williams.

I think the Cowboys are serious about seeing what McFadden can do behind our OL.
I think the Cowboys are serious about seeing what Ryan Williams can do behind this line and away from the scout team.
I believe the Cowboys believe in what they've seen from Randal in limited duty.
I believe the Cowboys know what they have in Dunbar and may be committed to seeing him more on 3rd downs.

Demarco Murray was the 71st selection in his draft, third round, and that wasn't even a deep draft for RBs. I don't believe for a second that the Cowboys think Gurley's or Gordon's upside is that much higher than any one of 6 or more other RBs in the draft to warrant selecting a RB so high.

The Cowboys are very likely to see a number of DTs that can step into the rotation right away at #27 and really solidify that position group. They are likely to see at least 2-3 worthy CBs who might step in and start the season as our 3rd best corner on the field. There's a chance they may see the top FS prospect there or another worthy DE, and I feel very confident that they will see a top notch LB available at #27.

Those are all positions of much greater need that, in later rounds, also need more development than a RB. The Cowboys can add a fifth RB to their stable, one with great upside, on the 2nd and even 3rd day. I, for one, don't believe that Gurley or Gordon stand to have a much more successful pro career, much less rookie season, than Duke Johnson or Jay Ajayi or even lesser prospects like Buck Allen of USC.

Who was the last RB at Wisconsin who didn't have a great career in college? Who was the last one to translate big to the NFL? Who was the last RB to struggle in Georgia's run game? Who was the last one to make it big in the NFL? We could ask those questions about most RB's. There isn't a sure thing. I won't be surprised if Duke Johnson ends up having a better career in the NFL than any back in this draft.

Strengthen the defensive with a CB, LB, or DL in round 1....almost all mocks have quality players available at 27. Find another RB and another WR on another day. I think once again, Jerry will listen to Stephen and McClay, and I find it hard to imagine either of them telling him to take any RB in round 1.

I am a big AP supporter but could live with this good post.
 

Vinnie2u

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So the Cowboys are blowing a giant smoke screen by wasting a huge number of only 30 in town visits on players they really don't want? I find myself questioning the logic in this. Especially when 8 of the draft picks the last 2 years have been in town visits.

I was only talking about the first round...RBs can be found later.. We have bigger needs..
 

dragon_mikal

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I was only talking about the first round...RBs can be found later.. We have bigger needs..

Running back is arguably the most needed position at the moment. How anyone can seriously look at our RB situation and think this team is making the playoffs is beyond me.

This team was in the playoffs last year because of the running game. Period. It kept Romo upright, controlled the tempo of many games and kept the defense off the field. Not one RB on this roster is capable of controlling a game like Murray could do and I don't see AP coming here.

They're taking a RB early.
 
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