DMN: 10 running back possibilities for the Cowboys in this year’s draft

jobberone

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10 running back possibilities for the Cowboys in this year’s draft
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Jon Machota Email jmachota@***BANNED-URL***
Published: March 22, 2015 10:22 pm
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Todd Gurley speaks to the media at NFL Pro Day at the University of Georgia, Wednesday, March 18, 2015, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Although Darren McFadden has been recently added, the loss of DeMarco Murray means the Cowboys will likely be looking to add a running back in this year’s draft.

The good news: this class is loaded at the position. The bad news: unlike previous years, Dallas might have to use its first round pick to land one of the elite options.

Here are 10 possibilities at the position.

1.) Todd Gurley, Georgia. He had his best season in 2012, rushing for 1,385 yards and 17 touchdowns in 14 games. Gurley (6-1, 226 pounds) only played in six games last season, missing time because of a torn ACL and a suspension for accepting money in exchange for autographs.

Expert’s take: “Gurley’s ideal body type, rare athleticism and big play ability may be enough for teams to overlook his injury concerns and recognize his potential Adrian Peterson impact on their roster.” — Eric Galko, Optimum Scouting

2.) Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin. It was no surprise that the 6-1, 213-pound redshirt junior entered the draft. Gordon was a Heisman Trophy finalist who rushed 343 times for 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns in 14 games. He also broke LaDainian Tomlinson’s NCAA record for rushing yards in a game when he went for 408 against Nebraska in November.

Expert’s take: “Gordon’s running style is very similar to [DeMarco] Murray’s; he runs hard, is a work horse, gets from 0 to 60 in a flash and shows great vision and patience as a runner. He isn’t great in pass protection or as a receiver, but he’s getting better.” –Todd McShay, ESPN

3.) Tevin Coleman, Indiana. Another Big Ten running back to go over 2,000 yards last season, Coleman (6-1, 210) rushed 270 times for 2,036 yards and 15 touchdowns. He rushed for more than 200 yards in four games with 307 coming against Rutgers.

Expert’s take: “Coleman looks like DeMarco Murray on some carries and Darren McFadden on others with his NFL projection landing somewhere in between those two backs. He is arguably the best three down back in this draft class not named Todd Gurley because of his ability in pass protection and catching the ball, putting his draft value in the second round range.” — Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com

4.) Duke Johnson, Miami. In three seasons at Miami, Johnson (5-9, 206) became the school’s all-time leading rusher with 3,519 yards. As a junior, he rushed 242 times for 1,652 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Expert’s take: “Johnson doesn’t need much of a crease to make defenses pay. His explosive quickness and elusiveness should help him adapt quickly to NFL speed and his feel and courage as a one-cut runner should earn him instant playing time. Johnson’s lack of protection skills and his injury concerns could force him into a committee situation.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

5.) T.J. Yeldon, Alabama. He finished his career fourth in school history with 3,322 rushing yards. Yeldon (6-2, 221) had his best year in 2013 as a sophomore, rushing for 1,235 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Expert’s take: “Instinctive, athletic running back who has the foot quickness to create for himself when lanes constrict or blocks are missed. Yeldon lacks the ball security, top-end speed and desired tackle breaking to be a full-time starter. He’s a versatile, rotational back with the ability to step in and step up.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

The next 5:

Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska.

Jay Ajayi, Boise State.

David Cobb, Minnesota.

Mike Davis, South Carolina.

David Johnson, Northern Iowa.

Follow Jon Machota on Twitter: @jonmachota


Bob Sturm’s 2015 NFL Draft profile: What I see in Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia
  • Source: Wisconsin RB Melvin Gordon to meet with Dallas Cowboys
  • Wisconsin's Melvin Gordon says Cowboys should keep DeMarco Murray
  • Bob Sturm's 2015 NFL Draft profile: What I see in Tevin Coleman, RB, Indiana

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jobberone

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Mods please move to draft zone when appropriate.

I like Coleman and Ajayi as complete backs. Davis will be a decent back.
 

Bowdown27

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Great article to see about RB possibilities. I think we go early w rb. 1-2 round. I'm happy w most of them on that list. Can be a nice 1-2 punch w mcfadden
 

jobberone

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I thought you were a mod?

I'm not always here. That's a general notice to the staff. We put a few draft articles in the Fan Zone on occasion if they merit but they need to eventually be moved to the Draft Zone.
 

Stash

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For me it's Todd Gurley...





... and then everyone else.
 

guag

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If Gurley didn't tear his ACL, where do you guys think he would be drafted?
 

jobberone

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I see Gurley as a work horse. I question his speed on the field and elusiveness. I think he will get hurt with his style.

I like Gordan who is faster and more elusive. Think Randle +

Coleman and Ajayi are the two who interest me the most. In the 2nd or 3rd although latter likely not there then.

But I wouldn't draft beyond that point.

Williams, Randle and McFadden can carry the load. I'm hoping one of the FBs makes it out of TC and can carry, catch AND block. Now wouldn't that be a sight.
 
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