RB Draft Strategy of the Dallas Cowboys

Zak — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 07:13:33 -0000

It is obvious that there is a hole in the 3rd and potentially 4th CB spot on the Cowboys roster. The 2008 draft should be effectively used to fill either one or both of those holes. Perhaps Alan Ball could be the answer for the 4th or maybe even 3rd spot, however this is unlikely and a top-flight CB should be taken. Be it Rogers-Cromartie, Jenkins, Cason, Talib, Flowers, or even King--The Cowboys should immediately take the most talented player remaining in the draft at pick 22.

The second most glaring weakness on The Cowboys roster is the position of running back--this too should be addressed in the first round, but using the second pick. I personally have taken a swig of the Felix Jones Kool-Aid and feel like he is a very good fit. However, if one thing were to happen to Jones or even Marion Barber in the way of injuries, could one of those two backs handle the load of one every-down type back? The answer is no.

This is where the importance of drafting two or possibly even three running backs may be paramount to the success of The Cowboys.

The 2008 draft has been widely speculated as one full of talent for the position of running back. Darren McFadden, Rashard Mendenhall, and Jonathan Stewart rounding out the upper-echelon of running backs. Not far behind those backs are a muddle of backs: Felix Jones, Jamaal Charles, Ray Rice, Kevin Smith, and Chris Johnson; these second-tier backs may prove to be just what The Cowboys are looking for.

As insurance I would like to see The Cowboys supplement a 'change of pace back' like Jones or Johnson with a tough, all-purpose back. Ray Rice and Kevin Smith are great candidates for the role. With good hands and durability, these backs could fit into The Cowboys offensive system and be quite productive as stand alone picks.

Regardless of what situation The Cowboys may face, these backs are willing and should be ready to carry whatever load Jason Garrett demands of them. Hypothetically, Marion Barber is rushing like a beast breaking tackles and one stray defender falls on his leg and tweaks his knee. The rushing load would be placed on the shoulders of one, elusive back that may have not even carried a full college load. With one of these all-purpose backs, The Cowboys will still be able to run an effective offense and use the change of pace back without missing a stride--presumably. The same can be said about if Jones or whatever change of pace back were to get injured. Kevin Smith could very easily be plugged in and catch the ball on 3rd down situations, his play could be similar to that of Kevin Faulk of the New England Patriots. Personally, I like this idea of a violent, tackle-breaking backfield--it evens out the finesse involved in Jason Garrett's passing offense. And finally, in the upcoming year, if Marion Barber were to demand a contract that The Cowboys simply could not afford, these all-purpose backs could become potential starters or members of the rushing committee.

It just makes sense for there to be more than one quality back taken in this draft, regardless of whether it is for insurance or the future of The Cowboys backfield.

SB Nation User Blog: Zak

RB Draft Strategy of the Dallas Cowboys