6 Cowboys on the Chopping Block After 2024 Minicamp

1. Deuce Vaughn, RB

When Deuce Vaughn was announced as the Cowboys' selection at No. 212 last year, the fan base was elated. He was a great story since his dad worked for Dallas as a scout and even called his son to tell him that he would be selected. Vaughn also played a position of need with Tony Pollard as the only proven back on the depth chart.

While undersized, Vaughn had an impressive resume. In three seasons at Kansas State, he racked up 3,604 yards rushing and 1,280 as a receiver. He scored 43 total touchdowns for the Wildcats and touched the ball 767 times on offense. The NFL is tougher than the NCAA, but the volume was encouraging especially since he held up and avoided injuries.

As a rookie, there was hope he could be the No. 2 back behind Pollard but he never truly took off during training camp or the preseason. He showed several flashes of his play-making ability but was overshadowed by Rico Dowdle, who took advantage of the opening at RB2.

Entering 2024, Dowdle is expected to be the primary backup again but this time Ezekiel Elliott is slated to start. Zeke returned after one year in New England and it's not unrealistic to think Dowdle will end up with more touches than him by season's end.

They also have Royce Freeman, who averaged 4.1 yards per attempt for the Los Angeles Rams in 2023. None of their options are great but several have more impressive resumes than Vaughn at this point. That has him in danger since they can't afford to put a player on the depth chart at running back with the hopes of developing them. They need guys who can contribute if called upon.

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