Post-draft team analysis: RB/FB

[gimmesix]

Starters: Ezekiel Elliott, Jamize Olawale
Contenders: Tony Pollard, Mike Weber, Darius Jackson, Jordan Chunn

Last year, Dallas let Ezekiel Elliott take himself out of the game whenever he felt that he needed a rest. This differed from his first two years when Dallas subbed him out for at least a couple of series per game. Part of the reason for that is that there was no real plan for using Rod Smith. He was merely seen as temporary relief, a player who could step in and handle a couple of carries or a catch or two while Elliott took a break.

The Cowboys didn't attempt to bring back Smith and showed that they have a clearer direction for the backup role with the selection of Tony Pollard in the fourth round. Pollard seems most likely to be a third-down back, taking some of those snaps away from Elliott, because of his receiving skills. Elliott is not a bad receiver, but he's not on Pollard's level in that area. In third-and-long, don't be surprised if it's Pollard on the field instead of Elliott. We'll either motion him out and empty the backfield or leave him as the single back where he can run a draw or go out for a pass. I'm not sure how I feel about taking our best offensive player off the field when we need to convert to keep the drive going, but Pollard does create a different dynamic with his superior receiving skills. (He'll also be our primary kickoff returner.)

I don't see Pollard being the direct backup to Elliott, though, but more of a specialty player. He runs high, which could affect his ability to succeed between the tackles. That's why I believe we drafted Mike Weber. Weber is more of a traditional running back who can handle the inside running demands of this offense. We need to have someone who can step in if something happens to Elliott and Weber will contend for that role with Darius Jackson and Jordan Chunn. I've seen enough of Jackson to know that he's only the answer if Weber or Chunn fail. Chunn remains intriguing, but I didn't see enough of him or from him last preseason to have a feel for whether he's a true contender.

Whoever wins the backup role might not even make the roster, because it's possible we have a game-day plan to use Jamize Olawale at running back some. If Olawale shows that he can handle that as well as being the fullback, it would allow us to go with two tailbacks (Elliott and Pollard) and stash a third (and even possibly fourth) one on the practice squad. Of course, that depends on how the third one plays. If Weber (or Chunn) is lights out in the preseason, we wouldn't be able to get him to the practice squad.

ROSTER PREDICTION Elliott, Pollard, Weber and Olawale make the team. Chunn possibly goes back on the practice squad.

 

[JoeKing]

There can be no post-draft analysis until the players begin training with a football. It's just speculation up until then.

 

[gimmesix]

There can be no post-draft analysis until the players begin training with a football. It's just speculation up until then.

Most of what we say about the players we've added is speculation until we see them. However, that doesn't mean there aren't several things you can analyze about the choices and moves by the team.

 

[Fritsch_the_cat]

Not sure what Olawale does that any of the others can't do.

 

[gimmesix]

Not sure what Olawale does that any of the others can't do.

Block?

Seriously, though, I think Olawale was underutilized and hope that Garrett will allow more to use him more, especially in the passing game. If you only put a fullback out there to block, then teams don't have to devote any effort to stopping other aspects of his game. Olawale has good hands and speed in the passing game, and he's able to take a few carries as well from the fullback spot. Those things help keep defenses from keying on players.

As far as being used in single-back formations, I'm not sure about his ability to handle that (although he is a good pass protector). That's why I have us keeping Weber for depth behind Elliott.

 

[Falco78]

The initial OP had Elliott as not a great receiver? Uhhhh have I had a concussion? He is one of the best in the league from his position

 

[gimmesix]

The initial OP had Elliott as not a great receiver? Uhhhh have I had a concussion? He is one of the best in the league from his position

I think you misunderstood. Elliott is a very good receiver for a running back. Pollard, a converted receiver, is a more natural receiver who can make plays like a receiver downfield. Elliott is better at catching outlet passes and screens than he is at going up over a DB and making a contested catch. That is what Pollard can do.

I don't expect us to take Elliott out of the passing game. I just expect us to use Pollard as the third-down back because of how good he is as a receiver.

 

[JoeKing]

Most of what we say about the players we've added is speculation until we see them. However, that doesn't mean there aren't several things you can analyze about the choices and moves by the team.

You mean like what we've already been doing pre-draft? Oh, what fun!

 

[gimmesix]

You mean like what we've already been doing pre-draft? Oh, what fun!

You don't enjoy it, no one is forcing you to read it.

Frankly, I like breaking down the roster and trying to figure out where each player might fit. Gives me a chance to look at the scope of what we have and kind of process it. Of course, I don't know how it's going to turn out, but that's part of the fun of speculation ... unless you are like some around here who only want to look at it in terms of doom and gloom.

With the running back spot, it could turn out that neither of the drafted players does much considering they were fourth- and seven-round picks, but based on the skills they showed in college, I do think you can logically consider what the staff might be looking for out of them. You can also logically predict that if the team was totally happy with either Jackson or Chunn, we wouldn't have taken two backs.

Pollard could turn out to be a much better pro running back than I think he'll be, but I think he is more likely to be a good change of pace with his receiving abilities putting some stress on defenses. Weber could turn out no better than Jackson, Scarbrough or other late-round backs we've taken. However, there have been some successful late-round backs as well (just not really for us unless you count Randle or Choice as one).

 

[Mr_437]

1)Totally agree about Jackson.
2)Stephen was talking about having a between the tackles RB behind Zeke, and looking at the roster Chunn (6'0 230) is the best suited for that role.
3)Pollard is interesting cause he could impact Tavon Austin especially if Tony can return punts.
4)Weber, Jackson, Chunn and whoever they bring in is competition for 1 spot. Stephen says their only carrying 2 (Zeke n Pollard) so who knows how important this competition is.

 

[JoeKing]

You don't enjoy it, no one is forcing you to read it.

Frankly, I like breaking down the roster and trying to figure out where each player might fit. Gives me a chance to look at the scope of what we have and kind of process it. Of course, I don't know how it's going to turn out, but that's part of the fun of speculation ... unless you are like some around here who only want to look at it in terms of doom and gloom.

With the running back spot, it could turn out that neither of the drafted players does much considering they were fourth- and seven-round picks, but based on the skills they showed in college, I do think you can logically consider what the staff might be looking for out of them. You can also logically predict that if the team was totally happy with either Jackson or Chunn, we wouldn't have taken two backs.

Pollard could turn out to be a much better pro running back than I think he'll be, but I think he is more likely to be a good change of pace with his receiving abilities putting some stress on defenses. Weber could turn out no better than Jackson, Scarbrough or other late-round backs we've taken. However, there have been some successful late-round backs as well (just not really for us unless you count Randle or Choice as one).

Yeah, great. I think I heard this exact conversation about 2 months ago, only the names have change.

 

[gimmesix]

1)Totally agree about Jackson.
2)Stephen was talking about having a between the tackles RB behind Zeke, and looking at the roster Chunn (6'0 230) is the best suited for that role.
3)Pollard is interesting cause he could impact Tavon Austin especially if Tony can return punts.
4)Weber, Jackson, Chunn and whoever they bring in is competition for 1 spot. Stephen says their only carrying 2 (Zeke n Pollard) so who knows how important this competition is.

The Pollard/Austin dynamic will be interesting to watch. I think there are roles for both. Austin is the jet sweep guy who will be out there with Elliott trying to draw defensive attention away from him and otherwise running routes. I believe Pollard will only be out there in place of Elliott, although it will be mainly to run routes. However, if he does take the jet sweep role away, then there's little sense in keeping Austin. Austin also has the punt return role, though, and I don't know if Pollard is even a consideration for that. I saw him return kickoffs, but I don't remember seeing him return punts.

 

[Mr_437]

The Pollard/Austin dynamic will be interesting to watch. I think there are roles for both. Austin is the jet sweep guy who will be out there with Elliott trying to draw defensive attention away from him and otherwise running routes. I believe Pollard will only be out there in place of Elliott, although it will be mainly to run routes. However, if he does take the jet sweep role away, then there's little sense in keeping Austin. Austin also has the punt return role, though, and I don't know if Pollard is even a consideration for that. I saw him return kickoffs, but I don't remember seeing him return punts.

JG said in the presser that they think Pollard can return punts.

That's why I mentioned Austin cause Pollard can do everything Tavon does...if Tony can return punts.

Funny, Tavon could still be the only seasoned punt returner.

 

[gimmesix]

JG said in the presser that they think Pollard can return punts.

That's why I mentioned Austin cause Pollard can do everything Tavon does...if Tony can return punts.

Funny, Tavon could still be the only seasoned punt returner.

Considering his receiver skills, I'm not surprised Pollard can return punts. And if so, that does make it more interesting with Austin. The only thing he's got is the jet sweep, and I would think a player with RB skills wouldn't have a problem running those.

Could make it easier to keep three backs if it essentially eliminates Austin's position. Of course, I haven't taken a closer look at the WR position there to figure out how many I think we might keep. Off hand, the only absolute locks would be Cooper, Gallup and Cobb. The rest will take some sorting.

 

[buybuydandavis]

Starters: Ezekiel Elliott, Jamize Olawale
Contenders: Tony Pollard, Mike Weber, Darius Jackson, Jordan Chunn
...
ROSTER PREDICTION Elliott, Pollard, Weber and Olawale make the team. Chunn possibly goes back on the practice squad.

Hill played short yardage FB. 308 lbs. Giggity.

I think Weber is the PS guy. 7th round rookie. We're not going to sweat losing him, and would rather have a vet as our roster backup.

 

[DBOY3141]

1)Totally agree about Jackson.
2)Stephen was talking about having a between the tackles RB behind Zeke, and looking at the roster Chunn (6'0 230) is the best suited for that role.
3)Pollard is interesting cause he could impact Tavon Austin especially if Tony can return punts.
4)Weber, Jackson, Chunn and whoever they bring in is competition for 1 spot. Stephen says their only carrying 2 (Zeke n Pollard) so who knows how important this competition is.

Weber's best trait is running between the tackles.

 

[gimmesix]

Hill played short yardage FB. 308 lbs. Giggity.

I think Weber is the PS guy. 7th round rookie. We're not going to sweat losing him, and would rather have a vet as our roster backup.

I think Hill will have enough on his plate for now just learning to be an NFL defensive tackle.

Weber could be a PS guy depending on how he plays. I know that's obvious, but I don't think we can just count on him not showing enough to be kept. I don't think we have any interest in getting a vet at the position because it's such a limited number of snaps between Elliott getting the majority and Pollard getting some on passing downs. I think that's why Olawale will be the backup RB as well as fullback ... unless Pollard shows that he can handle all aspects of the position, including between-the-tackles and short-yardage runs.

 

[buybuydandavis]

I think Hill will have enough on his plate for now just learning to be an NFL defensive tackle.

Weber could be a PS guy depending on how he plays. I know that's obvious, but I don't think we can just count on him not showing enough to be kept. I don't think we have any interest in getting a vet at the position because it's such a limited number of snaps between Elliott getting the majority and Pollard getting some on passing downs. I think that's why Olawale will be the backup RB as well as fullback ... unless Pollard shows that he can handle all aspects of the position, including between-the-tackles and short-yardage runs.

Hill has *already* played FB. What we don't have at FB is a pounder. Hill should pound better than Olawale.

On Olawale as backup RB, that's a good game day option to split time with Pollard if Zeke goes down, but if Zeke can't start a game, I expect Chunn/Jackson/Weber to get the call as the starter, not Olawale. Then we'll have 3 in the game and be similarly covered for game day injury.

 

[gimmesix]

Hill has *already* played FB. What we don't have at FB is a pounder. Hill should pound better than Olawale.

On Olawale as backup RB, that's a good game day option to split time with Pollard if Zeke goes down, but if Zeke can't start a game, I expect Chunn/Jackson/Weber to get the call as the starter, not Olawale. Then we'll have 3 in the game and be similarly covered for game day injury.

He's played it but that doesn't mean there are responsibilities he would need to learn. He's got too much to learn at tackle for us to give him plays to digest on offense. Once he becomes the tackle that we want him to be, then we can go Fridge with him.

Yeah, I only see Olawale as a game-day option. I just don't know if we'll keep the other option on the roster and not dress him or try to stash him on the practice squad. I'm going to assume, though, that if we see one of these players as a potential injury replacement for Elliott, then we're not going to risk him to waivers. So either Weber/Jackson/Chunn will make the roster, Pollard will show that he's just as good of an option as the backup RB as he is the specialty RB or we'll go find another backup to be there in case Elliott has to miss a game.

 

[buybuydandavis]

He's played it but that doesn't mean there are responsibilities he would need to learn. He's got too much to learn at tackle for us to give him plays to digest on offense. Once he becomes the tackle that we want him to be, then we can go Fridge with him.

Yeah, I only see Olawale as a game-day option. I just don't know if we'll keep the other option on the roster and not dress him or try to stash him on the practice squad. I'm going to assume, though, that if we see one of these players as a potential injury replacement for Elliott, then we're not going to risk him to waivers. So either Weber/Jackson/Chunn will make the roster, Pollard will show that he's just as good of an option as the backup RB as he is the specialty RB or we'll go find another backup to be there in case Elliott has to miss a game.

We'll see about Hill as FB. I think he's more credible than the Fridge at fb, and we have a need for a big body.

Interesting point about the possibility of not carrying the rb starter backup on the roster at all. I go the opposite way than you though. I think it's very likely they do that. Jackson, Chunn, and Weber are interchangeable quality. If one gets poached, we'll use another and not shed a tear.

Zeke, Pollard, Olawale, and Austin are our roster and game day "RBs".