Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Cowboys early in training camp comes from the running back position. This is also a major concern for fantasy players that are uncertain as to when to expect Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden to be drafted – and who will put up the big points.
This question got a bit easier recently, with Darren McFadden being placed on the physically unable to perform list. He was selected in the eighth round of my latest mock draft.
It is unclear when we will see McFadden back on the field, and I expect this uncertainty to deter fantasy players. His draft value will likely fall, and with no clear-cut role in the backfield he now projects as a very late round pick at best.
If we do not see a lot of McFadden before draft day there is a strong chance he goes undrafted and will become a player to watch on the waiver wire if he produces on the field.
While McFadden’s stock takes a hit, rising star Joseph Randle becomes an even more legitimate fantasy option. I wrote in my mock draft analysis that Randle’s sixth round selection seemed a bit high.
However, Randle has shown a level of confidence and determination early in training camp that has been strong enough to convince the team that he can be a true number one back.
Joseph responded to free agent Steven Jackson reaching out to the Cowboys on Twitter by saying, “He’s at home watching”.
Coach Garrett and Jerry Jones have both agreed that Randle deserves this opportunity and that he will make the most of it.
While I am excited to see what Randle can do, I still would not look at him as a draftable running back before the fifth round.
This year’s fantasy running back market is top-heavy, and you should focus on landing a top name. Later in the draft you can compliment that back with a player like Randle, who could easily prove to be a star.
I will have updated mock drafts and analysis as training camp continues, and the situation in the Cowboys backfield becomes clearer.
Fantasy questions? Reply below or tweet me @ShoreSportsNJ!
