Cowboys Trying Out 2023 Disappointment in New Role
Getting contributions from 2023 draft picks was a tough task for the Dallas Cowboys this past season. Some players just struggled to crack the rotation, like Mazi Smith, while others had opportunities to impress and simply failed to do so, like Luke Schoonmaker.
Running back Deuce Vaughn was another guy given a path to a legitimate role, but his struggles early in the year caused him to take a seat for much of the second half of the season.
Now heading into his second NFL campaign, Dallas is experimenting with the former Kansas State standout to hopefully get more out of him.
Dallas Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn on getting work in the slot:
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) May 31, 2024
“It was one of those things that we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year. Talking with Schotty... just a little bit about getting with that slot. Getting with a Brandin Cooks. Getting with a guy…
As Vaughn revealed at OTAs this week, he's been getting some serious work in the slot as a wide receiver this summer. Vaughn said it was something he had discussed with offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer last season, noting he's happy to contribute there since it adds to his value on the offense.
Vaughn added he's even studied up on former Cowboys wideout Cole Beasley in order to aid his transition, taking inspiration from how the similarly undersized WR still made an incredible impact in spit of his build.
Dallas Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn said he has been studying Cole Beasley in terms of work in the slot:
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) May 31, 2024
“When I went upstairs and started watching... a guy that I watched was Cole Beasley. Not a big guy in prowess but I mean, understood, his IQ of the game, seeing coverages, being…
Now, it's never an amazing sign when a young draft pick is being eyed for a position change. Especially after just one season in the league when there was legitimate hype around them being a legit player, like Vaughn.
This development just shows how far Vaughn has to go to secure his spot on Dallas' roster. He looked nothing like the electric talent that he was in college during his first couple of NFL games, which caused the Cowboys to quickly elevate Rico Dowdle into the No. 2 spot behind Tony Pollard.
Dallas' running back situation is even more uncertain heading into 2024 with Pollard gone and no clear starter on the roster. However, despite this, Mike McCarthy and co. are experimenting with Vaughn outside of his natural position -- which illustrates some skepticism he's built to contribute as an RB at the next level.
If Vaughn doesn't show enough potential with added slot duties, he could find himself as one of many roster cuts this preseason.
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