Cowboys 7-Rd Mock Draft v2.0: Finding the X-Factor (2/7)
By Reid Hanson
Round 4, Pick 139
Nyheim Hines, RB, North Carolina State
After Alvin Kamara’s spectacular rookie season with the New Orleans Saints, everyone is looking for the next great change-of-pace back. I give you Nyheim Hines.
Hines, 5’9” 197lbs, is a lightening quick back who pairs perfectly with the bruising style of Ezekiel Elliott and Rod Smith. A natural 3rd down back and backfield receiver, Hines should have no problem contributing on a team like the Cowboys.
He collected 1,112 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground last season so he’s no stranger to running the rock when called upon. And he’s also an accomplished kick returner and punt returner, adding to his game day value. It’s worth noting that Hines led the ACC in all-purpose yards last season so he’s really a jack-of-all trades who fills a specific niche for the Cowboys.
The Cowboys could get pretty darn creative with a player like Hines. And having him on the field would add to the tremendous speed of the Cowboys running back stable.
How fast he is will likely determine his overall stock. He said he’d like to run a 4.2 but would settle for anything below 4.33. I’d say that would do his draft status quite well come April.
This thing is for sure: Hines is a useful and talented player who is slipping because of durability issues. But for a team like the Cowboys who will limit his snaps behind workhorse, Zeke, he’s the perfect fit.