While the talk of the Cowboys off season for the past weeks have primarily focused on the defensive needs, a few positions on the offensive side of things could still be addressed in the draft.
Outside of the obvious at quarterback, the team could look for an upgrade at wide receiver along with a rookie running back to bring in to split carries with the injury-prone Darren McFadden – who will be playing on the last year of his two year deal in 2016.
This running back class certainly has some intriguing names, and with the top names already performing at the Combine, here are three backs that I would love to see the Cowboys pick up at the right price:
Devontae Booker: Utah
Click here for a scouting report on Booker.
Booker may very well be my favorite running back in this class, as he seems like a perfect fit for the Cowboys running style. Booker possesses the vision to run in the zone blocking scheme mixed with the physicality to create big plays.
Pairing McFadden and Booker together in 2016 could give the Cowboys a very strong smash mouth identity on offense, as they try to get back to their winning ways of 2014.
Alex Collins: Arkansas
 Click here for a scouting report on Collins.
Collins, a product of Arkansas (where Darren McFadden played in college), is another interesting back in this class. While there is certainly room to grow, he has the balanced ability to not only punish defenders but also show impressive speed when hitting the hole.
Collins could benefit greatly from not having to be the featured back in Dallas for 2016. Averaging 5.6 YPC in college, Collins could quickly turn into a dominating back running behind the offensive line for Dallas in the coming years.
Paul Perkins: UCLA
Click here for a scouting report on Perkins.
Perkins is the least physical back out of these three, but he makes up for it with great balance and vision. While the Cowboys would still likely have to add more depth behind Perkins down the line, a formula for immediate success could be found in 2016 and beyond should McFadden see a contract extension and Perkins is added to the backfield.
The case has even been made here at Inside the Star that drafting a running back could help Dallas more than anything this off season. That would of course bring Ezekiel Elliot into the first round conversation, who is the best back available in this draft.
Whatever the team’s plan may be at the position (#MillerToDallas), should they go through the draft, I hope the card is turned in for one of the three names above.
Now, what backs would YOU like to see in Dallas for 2016? Feel free to discuss this topic by leaving a comment below!Â
Kenneth Dixon, RB, LA Tech
I am hoping that we can trade down to about the 8th spot then get Zeke from the Buckeyes and in the process pick up an extra 2nd round pick
I think that's a very real possibility, John. Right now I think they're targeting Jalen Ramsey and if he's gone they just may look to move down to get a stud RB.
John….that's a great idea and something they may do with the number 7 Niners. I believe trading with them and asking for the Niners second round pick would be awesome… but if Zeke is picked 6 then it would kind of backfire. We need Wentz or Goff to be available at 4 for this to happen tho. I say draft Zeke 4 and get 3 solid d players in FA.
Zeke would be great to have, just not getting my hopes up. Booker out of Utah I love though! As for Dixon, I'm always good for one or two incredibly bold draft predictions each year, and he is the focus of one of mine. Almost everyone is saying he will be a very solid, starting caliber back. I don't see it, and I think he will mostly be considered a bust.
<—– This guy is quickly falling in love with Derrick Henry.
I'm not particularly high on Alabama runningbacks, but this guy is pushing 250 pounds running a 4.5 forty with a 37" vert. IMO, it's got Jerome Bettis written all over it… on paper, anyway. Not very many guys can carry 250 pounds and put down those numbers at the combine.
Cheeseburger Eddie Lacy is probably at 255-260 after gaining a bunch of weight and the dude looks like he'd run a 4.9 forty right now. It's RARE to be able to carry that kind of weight and maintain your athleticism.
They should bring in millar and if he's to much forte and if he still wants to much Chris ivory and than draft one of those younger guys later for down the road.
Ivory may be more expensive at this point due to age. Forte is 30 years old and Ivory's just 27 and coming off a career year.
MillerToDallas.com
MUSCLE HAMSTER.
Miller > Hamster
McFadden > Miller last year.
Thus, McFadden Miller = wins!
…that's enough math for a Monday though
I just think Miller is looking for a payday that will far exceed what the Cowboys would even remotely consider.
I've been reading that Miller was offered $5M/year and he is still planning to hit free agency because he thinks he can get more. I think he'll peg himself as an under-utilized workhorse back with DeMarco Murray-like capabilities (if someone would give him the carries) and about 4 years younger than Murray. So he's going to be looking for something in the $6-7 million range or the closest he can get to the $8M/year contract Murray signed.
For that price, I'm totally out.
I like Collins. #WPS
I also like Collins a lot, and would be really interested to see if his style would fit in Dallas. Certainly behind this offensive line he shows the burst for a bigger back to be successful