Dallas Running Back Plan

[ABQCOWBOY]

Agree with the first part. I haven't seen any film on Ajayi. Why do you think he will be a bust?

I saw him a lot. Fumble machine. His ball security is really poor IMO. Doesn't pass block well and I am not sure if he is a 20-25 carry guy. I think he might be a change of pace back in the NFL but I could be wrong.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Agree with the first part. I haven't seen any film on Ajayi. Why do you think he will be a bust?

For some reason I think he could bust as well .. but he might be the next Eddie Lacy.




Those outside runs won't be there on the next level, he seems lumbering and exuding a lot of effort to get down field, not as fluid and willing to run inside as Weldon, Gurly or even Gordon who seem to find the inside creases better and not sure he has the vision as the other top RB candidates over 215lbs.

 

[robjay04]

Due diligence.

Now I love Frederick and Martin as well as the next Cowboy fan but drafting a guard and center in the first doesn't neccessarily scream "position value". They were drafted because they were the BPA despite the fact that many fans wanted the Cowboys to take a defensive linemen at that time.

 

[Spectre]

Agree with the first part. I haven't seen any film on Ajayi. Why do you think he will be a bust?

The footage I've seen of him seemed mostly to be running lanes that were simply there- poor tackling; didn't do much to create or extend them. His first step seems especially slow to me, as well, and didn't accelerate much beyond that. I could be wrong, but I rarely am on this type of thing- the overall impression is one that's historically in line with a bust rb. I think he's going to get swallowed up in the NFL.

 

[jobberone]

The footage I've seen of him seemed mostly to be running lanes that were simply there- poor tackling; didn't do much to create or extend them. His first step seems especially slow to me, as well, and didn't accelerate much beyond that. I could be wrong, but I rarely am on this type of thing- the overall impression is one that's historically in line with a bust rb. I think he's going to get swallowed up in the NFL.

Take him off the list please.

 

[chagus]

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 guess it depends on which class Dallas feels is stronger or has higher value at the 27th pick: DL, CB, or RB? Is the RB picked there a better player than the DL or CB that wouldv'e been picked at that spot? Its a tough decision to make but thats why they get paid the big bucks. Dallas has proven recently that its scouting dept, FO, owner/ GM and coaches are much more logical in their decision making. I CAN"T WAIT FOR THE DRAFT!!! BTW.. i can go with Coleman or Johnson in the third or whatever later round they get picked. Good RB's.

 

[casmith07]

I agree with the OP. I think we'll go BPA on defense at #27 and then BRBA in the 2nd round from whomever is left. We might move up in the 2nd round a little bit to grab a guy who is sliding like Gurley or Gordon, too, and I can also see us trading out of the first round entirely, but to the top of round 2 to get an extra pick.

 

[Doomsday101]

If Gurley and Gordon are gone or Dallas finds one of the top defensive players they are hoping to get then I would take Tevin Coleman in the 2nd. Out of all the backs in this draft he is the most complete. He was 2nd in the nation in rushing, very good blocker in the back field and good receiver out of the back field.

 

[Apollo Creed]

The Cowboys usually select guys they bring in for visits in the first 3 rounds. One of the exceptions to that rule was Morris Claiborne - which I don't think they had a shot to take.

 

[Rogerthat12]

Gurley was at VR today, Mickey said he favored the leg a little but was walking pretty good!

 

[burmafrd]

If Gurley and Gordon are gone or Dallas finds one of the top defensive players they are hoping to get then I would take Tevin Coleman in the 2nd. Out of all the backs in this draft he is the most complete. He was 2nd in the nation in rushing, very good blocker in the back field and good receiver out of the back field.

I really like Coleman- to do what he did at Indiana is remarkable.

 

[burmafrd]

Now I love Frederick and Martin as well as the next Cowboy fan but drafting a guard and center in the first doesn't neccessarily scream "position value". They were drafted because they were the BPA despite the fact that many fans wanted the Cowboys to take a defensive linemen at that time.

jerruh claimed Manziel was highest on their draftboard at that pick so we did not do BPA.

 

[Doomsday101]

I really like Coleman- to do what he did at Indiana is remarkable.

I agree, he was not at a power house school and yet still was 2nd in the nation in rushing vs a very good conference. Myself main thing is he is an all around RB he does the 3 things I expect out of the position. Run, catch and block.

 

[Chuck 54]

Abdullah or Duke Johnson....most similar to Emmitt Smith. Great jump cuts, avoidance in the hole and traffic, always falling forward, can take it to the house, good receivers---just truly natural RBs.

 

[robjay04]

jerruh claimed Manziel was highest on their draftboard at that pick so we did not do BPA.

Jerry doesn't do the picks by himself. I have a feeling we would pass on a QB again if that was the BPA though. It's one position the team isn't going to invest heavily in considering they just restructed Romo and guaranteed him a roster spot for 3 more seasons.

 

[burmafrd]

Jerry doesn't do the picks by himself. I have a feeling we would pass on a QB again if that was the BPA though. It's one position the team isn't going to invest heavily in considering they just restructed Romo and guaranteed him a roster spot for 3 more seasons.

so NOW there are conditions on BPA...

 

[windjc]

If Gurley and Gordon are gone or Dallas finds one of the top defensive players they are hoping to get then I would take Tevin Coleman in the 2nd. Out of all the backs in this draft he is the most complete. He was 2nd in the nation in rushing, very good blocker in the back field and good receiver out of the back field.

I like Coleman even better than Gordon, who I don't like much at all. Coleman makes defensive backs look awkward and slow, even though (and probably because) he seems to have just one gear - explosive.

 

[Kevinicus]

Just watched some RB highlights for the first time tonight. I watched Coleman, Gurley, Gordon, and now Ajayi. For me, it wasn't even close. Gordon was by far the most impressive. Yeah, he had some big holes (they all did), but he showed burst, patience, and good balance. Gurley looked like he had good patience, but lacked the burst that Gordon did. Coleman reminded me of the highlights of McFadden and Felix Jones when they were coming out. Ajayi seemed okay, but nothing special.

 

[windjc]

Just watched some RB highlights for the first time tonight. I watched Coleman, Gurley, Gordon, and now Ajayi. For me, it wasn't even close. Gordon was by far the most impressive. Yeah, he had some big holes (they all did), but he showed burst, patience, and good balance. Gurley looked like he had good patience, but lacked the burst that Gordon did. Coleman reminded me of the highlights of McFadden and Felix Jones when they were coming out. Ajayi seemed okay, but nothing special.

Gordon was my least favorite after watching that same footage and reading the NFL scouting report. I saw Gordon do nothing but run through large holes. There are questions about his ability to be a 3 down back, he has fumbling issues and does not have top line break away NFL speed. Gordon rarely showed the ability to cut back or make defenders miss. He had decent initial burst and this flashy, rather useless, half hurdle that he liked to showcase as a signature, but all in all, I was unimpressed. Coleman looks faster and did more with less imo.

 

[Kevinicus]

I disagree, at least with what I saw. I thought Gordon looked faster (at least relative to the other guys on the field). I also thought he showed ability to make people miss. It wasn't with big moves, but with subtle shifts, which I think is a better quality. Coleman seemed like a straight line runner for the most part, and like I said, reminded me of the McFadden/F. Jones types. I wanted Charles after watching highlights back when they came out.