Graziano: Looking over Dallas running back scenario

[WoodysGirl]

Mar 5
11:16
AM ET
By Dan Graziano | ESPN.com

After reading this from Calvin over the weekend about whether the Cowboys would pursue Michael Turner, and then this Monday from Mike Jones about the Commanders' running back depth chart, I thought to myself, "That's a good idea. Let's do a post on the NFC East running back situations." So, let's.

http://a.espncdn.com/i/teamlogos/nfl/sml/dal.gifDallas Cowboys

Assuming they move on from Felix Jones, the Cowboys will be in the market for a running back who can spell starter DeMarco Murray and, if need be, replace him when he gets injured. Unlike Calvin, I actually think someone like Turner or former Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw would work here. They need someone who's used to carrying the load, since it doesn't appear as though they can count on Murray lasting a whole season. And even if he did, they'd need someone who can replace him for long stretches during the game in order to help keep him healthy. I understand the temptation for a speed back as a change of pace, but Jones was supposed to be that and it didn't work. Why not a veteran grinder who runs with power and is used to playing in a passing offense? Someone like Phillip Tanner or Lance Dunbar could develop into what they need behind Murray, but it's not a bad idea to bring in someone with experience just in case they don't.


Read the rest: http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post/_/id/49344/looking-at-running-back-scenarios

 

[jobberone]

I wouldn't oppose looking at Turner but does he really think it's a good idea to use Bradshaw to back up Murray because Murray might go down. I think he has had too many foot problems to depend on him.

 

[RoboQB]

I wouldn't oppose looking at Turner but does he really think it's a good idea to use Bradshaw to back up Murray because Murray might go down. I think he has had too many foot problems to depend on him.

Turner would work great for Dallas... I agree...there are several good FA RBs out there... Steven Jackson probably has the best of chance of going somewhere and starting right away... To me, Turner tops the list of remaining options at RB.

 

[juck]

I got shut down suggesting Turner. I like him.
http://cowboyszone.com/forums/dallascowboys.php?t=253017

 

[RoboQB]

I got shut down suggesting Turner. I like him.
http://cowboyszone.com/forums/dallascowboys.php?t=253017

Yeah, I just read the first page of that.

Hey, we can't ALL be right, right?
That's what makes it fun. Win some, lose some.

I envision Michael Turner signing a 2 year deal with a chip on his
shoulder. If Murray goes down (feel free to replace "if" with "when")
for a few games, Turner can handle it. If Murray holds up all year (ha!), then Turner can be used well as a backup and not get worn down.

But hey, lets talk another option:

What about Rashard Mendenhall? Replace Felix with the RB they passed on to get him. May we get to right a wrong a little bit here. I'm ducking now....

 

[Avenging Hayseed]

I'd go Rex Burkhead in round 5 and feel GREAT about it. Perfect backup for Murrey IMO. He's a tough sucker, good hard nosed runner,...can block, nice hands for catching passes out of the backfield. Really fights for the extra yard.

Heres the thing that really impressed me about this kid........Im a huge Wisconsin Badger fan, 2 out of the last three times we played those guys we absolutely mopped the floor with them, but this kid NEVER quit,...always kept fighting no matter the score. Im not one for highlight films as they are just highlights,...but check out what he did against Georgia in Nebraska's bowl game with them...... Oh....and Dunbar can be our third back/speed guy


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnlOx0njw7A

 

[jazzcat22]

I believe many people on here was wanting Turner when he was with SD and was going to be a FA.

I wouldn't be opposed the Turner or Bradshaw. however, they still need to draft a RB. I don't think Dunbar or Tanner is the long term answer, if Murray gets injured again.

 

[GimmeTheBall!]

If Jerra can swing it, he'll take Christine Michael in the 2nd round. Yes, the 2nd round.
Why?
1. He's a Texan, played at A&M
2. He has an unusual first name; Jerra likes unusual names
3. Michael wowed the combine with a great vertical leap
4. We need depth that this bruiser of a running back (he's a natural fullback) can give us
5. Jerra likes to surprise us

Don't think so? Jerra is unpredictable and I predict he'll stay unpredictable and go for this Texas product.
You can thank me later, mens.

 

[DMAC]

If Jerra can swing it, he'll take Christine Michael in the 2nd round. Yes, the 2nd round.
Why?
1. He's a Texan, played at A&M
2. He has an unusual first name; Jerra likes unusual names
3. Michael wowed the combine with a great vertical leap
4. We need depth that this bruiser of a running back (he's a natural fullback) can give us
5. Jerra likes to surprise us

Don't think so? Jerra is unpredictable and I predict he'll stay unpredictable and go for this Texas product.
You can thank me later, mens.

Jerra is really going to surprise everyone when he re-signs Felix!

 

[Woods]

Jerra is really going to surprise everyone when he re-signs Felix!

Well, that would definitely be a surprise!

I think Felix is as good as gone. Think the team goes in a new direction.

 

[Chuck 54]

Stupid to sign a veteran RB...draft one on third day.

 

[Marktui]

I would be a bit weary of signing FA running backs. Jackson, Turner both have lots of miles on them. I would rather get an rb in the 3rd or 4th and bring fresh legs.

 

[Woods]

I would be a bit weary of signing FA running backs. Jackson, Turner both have lots of miles on them. I would rather get an rb in the 3rd or 4th and bring fresh legs.

That is my preference as well.

And if we want to still sign a vet RB for insurance, we can wait until July/August as more RB vets are cut.

 

[Avery]

Draft a RB in the 4th or 5th round. The Skins got Morris last year in the 6th and he had a great season. I don't think he has great talent, but the offense fits him to a tee and heightens his positives while minimizing his pitfalls.

What a concept.

 

[alohawg]

Draft to replace the injury ridden Murray....can't rely on the guy, not to mention his cuts may be the slowest ever by an NFL rb.

 

[xNitram]

I would be a bit weary of signing FA running backs. Jackson, Turner both have lots of miles on them. I would rather get an rb in the 3rd or 4th and bring fresh legs.

that or Rashard Mendenhall,i think Rashard Mendenhall can be brought in cheap, if that's the case, go for him