Complete Dallas Cowboys Mock Draft: Final Prediction

Lamical Perine, RB, Florida

This pick was a part of the first trade with the Baltimore Ravens. The Cowboys traded pick 51 (Round 2) for pick 55 (Round 2) and pick 225 (Round 7). With pick 225, the Cowboys solidify their running back depth grabbing Florida running back Lamical Perine.

Ok look, drafting a running back doesn’t make much sense. However, considering the remaining talent available, I didn’t feel too bad selecting a running back in the seventh round. Considering the Cowboys did this last year and are still showing interest in running backs in this class, I’d say there is a chance one ends up on the roster via the draft.

Perine’s combine was a bit shocking. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.62 seconds, the 3-cone drill in 7.13 seconds, and the short shuttle in 4.31 shuttle. He also only vertically jumped 35 inches and broad jumped 118 inches. For a player that popped out on tape, I was shocked to see his testing numbers be relatively underwhelming.

At 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds, Perine has good size to play running back at the next level. He uses his size and a lower center of gravity to bounce off tackles even with underwhelming explosiveness. He is also a tough competitor constantly seeking extra yards and as a result extra contact. Even though his production decreased from his junior year to his senior year, he still showed good vision in between the tackles and was decisive in his cuts.

Perine rarely dropped passes, he played significant special teams snaps in 2018, and he is a developing pass blocker. Perine has the skills to be a solid backup running back at the professional level. With the Cowboys, he wouldn’t have a significant role on offense, but could still provide valuable snaps in the event Ezekiel Elliott wants a break and Tony Pollard is being used in some other creative facet.

At this point in the draft, Perine is a relatively average athlete with a decently high floor. Taking a chance on him to play meaningful snaps on special teams could provide an instant impact.