Dallas Cowboys: 5 Big 12 Running Backs For Future
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Dec 31, 2014; Atlanta , GA, USA; TCU Horned Frogs running back Aaron Green (22) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter in the 2014 Peach Bowl against the Mississippi Rebels at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Paul Abell/CFA Peach Bowl via USA TODAY Sports
The Dallas Cowboys appear to be in the market for a new running back sooner than later, and thereās five, in particular, from the nearby Big 12 Conference that could be interesting as early as next season.
Itās ancient history now that 2014 NFL rushing champion DeMarco Murray is long gone. In fact, thereās already been a preseason game to digest, which has given some concern about how adequate Murrayās replacement will be.
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Apparent starter Joseph Randle appears to have the physical tools to carry the load for the Dallas Cowboys this season, for whatever thatās worth. Amidst the expected ārunning back-by-committeeā approach for 2015, thereās few other faces that give Cowboys Nation a great deal of confidence moving forward.
On the other hand, some feel confident that thereās big things ahead for the third-year veteran out of Oklahoma State.
Granted, this could change dramatically by seasonās end, but how much do you really see veteran free-agent acquisition Darren McFadden actually on the field? His physical ability aside, itās the injury history that gives many pause, and rightly so. His age makes him a rather short-term addition to the Cowboys as well.
Lance Dunbar is an undersized third down back who should have a bigger season in ā15 than ever before, but is he a long-term ā or short-term ā answer at tailback? I donāt believe that the Mean Green record-holder has the frame for a featured role in the NFL.
Newcomers Gus Johnson and Lache Seastrunk shouldnāt be counted out, especially since they were the only two runners to appear in that lone preseason contest a week ago and itās not like either was out of their element running in the NFL.
But one has to think that thereās a distinct possibility that a true franchise running back could be on the way sooner than later. The way the running back position has been devalued in todayās game, chances are good that Dallas might very well take a shot at a young runner even beyond the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft next April in Chicago.
If this is the case, and itās still a rather large āifā at this point, hereās a few names to remember and perhaps follow during the coming college football season.
The following backs vary in age and thereās no guarantee that some will forgo their final years of NCAA eligibility to enter the NFL.In fact, the top prospect on this list canāt even be had until the 2017 regular season, so patience might have to play a role.
Running backs are ranked from worst to best fit for the Dallas Cowboys offense.
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