Running back becoming a new priority

[Galian Beast]

I think the biggest priority in the offseason will be rebuilding the defensive line, I think most of us see that.

That being said, I think we're more and more at the point where we need to make an investment in a running back. Most people wouldn't want to draft a running back in the first round because of players like Alfred Morris, and the fact that running backs don't last very long, but we've ignored this position for far too long, and though we hit on Murray, his inability to stay healthy and run consistently reflects his draft position.

Breakdown of the top 10 running backs in the nfl (week 7 not included) by yards sorted by round drafted

1 xxxx
2 xx
3 xxx
----------------
4
5
6
7
----------------
0 x

So, I would say that if it becomes clear that we can't count on Murray, we've really got to invest a "first day" draft pick on a running back next year. And that is really problematic given that we have a lot of work to do on the defensive line, and we also probably need to invest an a guard.

 

[CowboyStar88]

I would call up the saints and see what it would cost to get Ingram he is just sitting there. He has talent he's just stuck behind a bunch of other backs. Dallas wanted him as well so here's the chance. Offer up a 4th and call it a day everyone comes out a winner.

 

[Romo2Dez4six]

Ingram would be nice

 

[Hoofbite]

Wow. I didn't realize it would play out that top-heavy in the first 3 rounds.

I wouldn't be on board with a 1st round RB but 2nd or 3rd wouldn't be bad.

I'm not really sure what to think about the RB situation. For a while it's been painfully obvious that the OL was struggling. The natural assumption would be that better OL play would help out the RBs. So far Dallas has had good OL play and yet the running game hasn't seemed to be any better. Unless they have another STL game or pick up the pace, it'll likely end up worse than last year. They're currently only 5 yards better per game than last year.

 

[Idgit]

That's if we're interested in being in the top-10 in yards, and no longer want the top-10 in yards guy I'm assuming we already have on the list, right?

And, is this yards/game, or total yards? Alfred Morris (6th round) should be on there somewhere, no?

I'm perfectly happy with Demarco Murray, and I wouldn't waste a top pick on a RB while we've got him. Bolster the DL/front 7 and see if, maybe, a QB we really like drops to us. Use a 2nd or 3rd rounder next year if someone we like doesn't get shaken loose or we don't get lucky with what we've got on board at the start of next season. The 'problem' with RB isn't very significant. We've just won back to back division games playing our 3rd and 4th stringers. We're throwing the ball effectively, regardless.

 

[SilverStarCowboy]

Whats wrong with Randle?

 

[DOUBLE WING]

The handwringing over Murray is nonsense. We still have him under contract through next season for cheap, so there is really no reason to cut bait. The smart thing to do would be keep him in his contract year, and hope that he finally stays healthy and has a breakout season. Then, let somebody else pay him.

 

[BAZ]

I don't think they need to draft in the first four rounds for RB, between Murray and Randal next year the don't need one right now. What they are lacking is experience at the position. So if a Danny Woodhead type shook loose give him a look.

 

[AmericanCowboy]

I would call up the saints and see what it would cost to get Ingram he is just sitting there. He has talent he's just stuck behind a bunch of other backs. Dallas wanted him as well so here's the chance. Offer up a 4th and call it a day everyone comes out a winner.

I was thinking more like a 7th. He has been awful thus far.

 

[Dion2288]

The handwringing over Murray is nonsense. We still have him under contract through next season for cheap, so there is really no reason to cut bait. The smart thing to do would be keep him in his contract year, and hope that he finally stays healthy and has a breakout season. Then, let somebody else pay him.

I'd say the smart thing is to let him play out his contract AND draft a RB to replace him in the 2nd-4th rd next year. Murray has some value. But, the hope that he'll stay healthy a full season is a waste of time. It ain't gonna happen (I believe this most recent injury was from hitting his knee on the ground).

They've been drafting committe RB's for years: Randle, Murray, Choice, F Jones, Barber, etc. Stay with the trend. Spend your money in the other areas of need that are quickly coming up. Pay Dez, Tyron, and Carter.

I wouldn't mind a backfield of "Glass Joe" (Murray), Randle, and a rookie to develop next year.

 

[9darter]

I am perfectly fine with the RB group on this roster.

If need be, then get some scrub free agent.

Give me a quality QB, OL and playmaking receivers on offense.

AD's not making Vikings a contender, and he's a godlike RB.

 

[mahoneybill]

I am perfectly fine with the RB group on this roster.

If need be, then get some scrub free agent.

Give me a quality QB, OL and playmaking receivers on offense.

AD's not making Vikings a contender, and he's a godlike RB.

Very astute response citing AD. Well done

 

[RoyTheHammer]

I would call up the saints and see what it would cost to get Ingram he is just sitting there. He has talent he's just stuck behind a bunch of other backs. Dallas wanted him as well so here's the chance. Offer up a 4th and call it a day everyone comes out a winner.

He's not stuck behind anyone. When he was healthy to start the year, and last year, the Saints almost tried to force feed him into the lineup no matter how ineffective he was. The fact is, he just wasn't getting it done.

We're better off with Murray/Dunbar/Randle.

 

[Zordon]

since 2008...we've spent a 1st rd pick (felix), 4th rd pick (choice), 3rd rd pick (murray) and 5th rd pick (randle) on running backs. That is a lot of resources on a relatively dying position. Now people want to spend another valuable pick next year???

this situation just shows you how important it is to hit on your draft picks and how one screw up can affect you years down the line. if the cowboys select ray rice or jamal charles or matt forte instead of felix jones....all of this is avoided and the majority of these picks go to other needed areas.

 

[cannonball44]

Ingram is not the solution.

Ben Tate might be.

 

[Hoofbite]

He's not stuck behind anyone. When he was healthy to start the year, and last year, the Saints almost tried to force feed him into the lineup no matter how ineffective he was. The fact is, he just wasn't getting it done.

We're better off with Murray/Dunbar/Randle.

I've made the stupid mistake of thinking that he had to get FF points eventually because of that and drafted him in a later round for the last 2 years.

He's just not good.

 

[big dog cowboy]

I've made the stupid mistake of thinking that he had to get FF points eventually because of that and drafted him in a later round for the last 2 years.

He's just not good.

His game didn't translate to the pros at all. Someone smarter than me will have to tell you why.

 

[Teague31]

Pass. Outside of maybe 3 guys, backs are all the same

 

[perrykemp]

I like what I am seeing in Green Bay with a big 240 pound'ish back in Lacey running against predominantly 6 man fronts.

It the Cowboys continue to have success in the passing game you are going to see primarily 6 man fronts against the Cowboys as well. Are there any big bruising backs in the 235+ range coming out next season?

 

[Crown Royal]

I like what I am seeing in Green Bay with a big 240 pound'ish back in Lacey running against predominantly 6 man fronts.

It the Cowboys continue to have success in the passing game you are going to see primarily 6 man fronts against the Cowboys as well. Are there any big bruising backs in the 235+ range coming out next season?

I think this would fit us better as well. Someone who can run power when necessary, pass block, and run some plays against smaller fronts to punish teams for playing coverage on us.

Pass blocking is the big thing though. We are seeing teams realize that playing coverage against the cowboys is a MAJOR mistake, because we will always beat it with Romo and these WRs. You have to pressure us; having RBs you can depend on to block becomes the key to the big play against pressure.

Tanner was HORRIBLE at pass protection and Randle scares me (seems a little light to me). One thing I do like about Randle is his pass catching ability. He looks like a WR out there.