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
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
