CFZ Stabs at the 2023 Runningback Rotation

Pass2Run

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Some of the biggest news this offseason for Dallas has been the release of Ezekiel Elliott, who is the latest big player to prove the NFL stands for what have you done for me lately.

With that said, it's exciting to think about the rotation coming up in 2023. I feel like one combination can be Luepke and Pollard. The player I really liked, as an NFL prospect, was Noah Gindorff, simply because he's basically a lineman who can go out for a pass, and might be good on those swing passes. I have to say, the title FB, made my evaluation on him (Luepke), well, non-existent: I just didn't think even McCarthy would add a full-back. But I do have visions of Hunter Luepke and Duece Vaughn in the same backfield, and then 2 TE sets with Pollard when he's in. There's a lot we can do there, especially if Luepke ends up being a good blocker, and at least 2 of our TEs take a step in their blocking game. It can happen.

I think we keep 4RBs. I think it's Pollard, Jones, Luepke, Vaughn. And, Vaughn can also be your 5th, 6th, emergency WR. Yes, he can do that, especially in a WCO. The path for Vaugh is to adapt to being a two-role player. He has it in him.

The other thing is that Schoonmaker is actually better than people think. Yes, he is older. But there's a reason they went up to get him in the 2nd round. They wanted to improve at TE, instead of staying the same, because they already have 2 guys who are on the level of those remaining, aside from guys like Josh Whyle, who I think was under-scouted as a pass-catcher.

So, Jones and Pollard, can both be WRs, and are marginally good at blocking. Meanwhile, the Pollard/Vaughn, and Pollard Luepke combinations could be interesting. For whatever reason, I don't think they like or trust Malik Davis. They pulled him in the San Fran game, and just never gave him another chance all while Zeke blew it, in large part becasue we became so predictable handing it off to Zeke. We shall see. As for Zeke, my kudos go out to him. We all know RBs have short careers, and not many can outrun Zeke. He's a top 5 Cowboys back in my book, and that's among a history of having nothing but the most elite backs in Dallas.
 

TwistedL0g1k

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I think we keep 4RBs. I think it's Pollard, Jones, Luepke, Vaughn. And, Vaughn can also be your 5th, 6th, emergency WR...
This group of 4 seems like a good guess. Not sure about Vaughn as a WR though. Jones was brought in as a trusted experienced backup, and they'll probably keep him over Davis. That will be a good battle to watch as they most likely won't keep both. I wouldn't be surprised if Davis beats him out, but my money is on Jones.

Luepke is a better blocker and short yardage back than Vaughn, and possibly a better receiver, although Vaughn probably wins on YAC. They're not cutting Luepke after the big signing bonus. 4 RB and 3 TE is my bet.
 

gimmesix

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Dallas didn't move up to get Schoon.

And the WHYDFML league is not the same as the Not For Long league. I think that's NFL Europe.
 

Pass2Run

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This group of 4 seems like a good guess. Not sure about Vaughn as a WR though. Jones was brought in as a trusted experienced backup, and they'll probably keep him over Davis. That will be a good battle to watch as they most likely won't keep both. I wouldn't be surprised if Davis beats him out, but my money is on Jones.

Luepke is a better blocker and short yardage back than Vaughn, and possibly a better receiver, although Vaughn probably wins on YAC. They're not cutting Luepke after the big signing bonus. 4 RB and 3 TE is my bet.
4RB, 4 TEs is my guess. Gives you lots of Dak-friendly weapons, and becomes a headache to deal with. Look for players who, like McCarthy says, can do two things. I said it last year. This year, it's an even bigger deal. They want players who can do two things. I see it in a lot of our UDFA types.
 

Pass2Run

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Dallas didn't move up to get Schoon.

And the WHYDFML league is not the same as the Not For Long league. I think that's NFL Europe.
Yeah, there's a reason those leagues fail. I believe I said that back when we hung on to Emmitt for too long, and people hated me for it. At least they realized it this time rather than dragging out the end of his career, like Emmitt.
 

plasticman

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I'm not excited at all about the RB rotation.

What do the Cowboys have? They have their starter coming off a playoff injury, a veteran free agent that started 3 games in the past 2 seasons, a 6th round draft pick and an undrafted free agent.

If Pollard experiences any injury and misses games then I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys leading rusher in those games is Dak running for his life.

McCarthy says he will emphasize the running game but the Cowboys don't draft an O-lineman until the 5th round and a RB until the 6th round.
 

CWR

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This group of 4 seems like a good guess. Not sure about Vaughn as a WR though. Jones was brought in as a trusted experienced backup, and they'll probably keep him over Davis. That will be a good battle to watch as they most likely won't keep both. I wouldn't be surprised if Davis beats him out, but my money is on Jones.

Luepke is a better blocker and short yardage back than Vaughn, and possibly a better receiver, although Vaughn probably wins on YAC. They're not cutting Luepke after the big signing bonus. 4 RB and 3 TE is my bet.

Yeah Luepke will also serve as the emergency 4th TE if needed. That will allow them to keep 4 rbs and a fourth "TE."
 

DuncanIso

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#ZekeHaters got their wish.

Now the RB rotation is jacked up and we got scrubs at RB2-RB4.

Only reason we are going with 4RBs is because we don’t have a true RB1/RB2 combo.

RJones is probably RB2.

Jerry will see if the short kid is a replacement for Pollard, who is UFA again.

No way Pollard gets Zeke like money.
 
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DuncanIso

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I'm not excited at all about the RB rotation.

What do the Cowboys have? They have their starter coming off a playoff injury, a veteran free agent that started 3 games in the past 2 seasons, a 6th round draft pick and an undrafted free agent.

If Pollard experiences any injury and misses games then I wouldn't be surprised if the Cowboys leading rusher in those games is Dak running for his life.

McCarthy says he will emphasize the running game but the Cowboys don't draft an O-lineman until the 5th round and a RB until the 6th round.
Pollard has to rehab that leg.

No way he still has that 4.5 speed.

That leg was wrecked.
 

Chuck 54

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No one is positive about Deuce in the NFL, but many are hopeful. Dallas covered themselves in free agency with Dowdle, Davis, and Jones for now. Maybe Deuce is a factor. Maybe Luepke is a factor. It will all be sorted out in camp when they are running against our defense. I’m not worried because if most of them fail, there will be plenty of veteran backs available now and later…..and we will have the money.
 

big dog cowboy

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Only reason we are going with 4RBs is because we don’t have a true RB1/RB2 combo.
I'm more than fine with that. A lot of teams in the league are the same way. It's a disposable position and they are a dime a dozen. No reason to sink big money into one like they did with Zeke. Did you see what the Chiefs just won the super bowl with? Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and La'Mical Perine.
 

big dog cowboy

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McCarthy says he will emphasize the running game but the Cowboys don't draft an O-lineman until the 5th round and a RB until the 6th round.
The Cowboys are fine on the OL. And they one they drafted will be a good one. Their RB corp is fine also. See above post for what the Chiefs won the super bowl with.
 

RandyOh

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I think the RB rotation will be fine. The addition of Cooks helps the run game as well. Having 2 (hopefully 3 with a fully recovered Gallup) big time receiving threats will make sure defenses cant just sell out to stop the run every down. Only thing i somewhat worry about is having a hammer for the short yardage situations. Maybe Luepke is the answer idk
 

blueblood70

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I'm more than fine with that. A lot of teams in the league are the same way. It's a disposable position and they are a dime a dozen. No reason to sink big money into one like they did with Zeke. Did you see what the Chiefs just won the super bowl with? Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and La'Mical Perine.
their wr room also meh...they did it by committee, great team effort and coaching being sharp and ahead of the other team.
 

jazzcat22

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Our RB group and situation suck. PERIOD.
Now that is taking into account we have no idea about Pollard right now, until he is 100%, if he will be.

Even if he is, the RB situation is not all that good. Another stupid blown situation by the FO in Jerry and Son, Inc.

If they are relying on Pollard as the bell cow, I hope they are right. But how many times have we seen them do this before at other position groups.
 
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