[tps_title]2017 NFL Combine: 5 RB participants to watch for the Dallas Cowboys[/tps_title]
[1/5] Samaje Perine, Oklahoma (5’10”, 235)
Why he’s on this list: If the Dallas Cowboys are looking for a bigger RB to back up Ezekiel Elliott, then Samaje Perine could be at the top of the list on Day Three of the 2017 NFL Draft. In his three seasons at Oklahoma, Perine ran for 1,000 rushing yards each year in a rotation with Joe Mixon. He finished his career as a Sooner with 4,122 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns.
Perine is a big physical downhill runner, who could become the short yardage/goal line back as a rookie. He is thickly put together and is hard to bring down due to his physical style of running. He has nimble feet for a RB his size, but he’s not going to blow anybody away with his top end speed.
He is a reliable receiver out of the backfield and is efficient as a pass protector as well. He has the skill set to be an every down back and if selected by the Dallas Cowboys, he would give them a formidable tandem of running backs to pound away at opposing defenses.
What to watch for at the NFL combine: We already pretty much know Perine doesn’t possess breakaway speed, but that doesn’t mean his 40 yard dash time still isn’t important. The lower the time, the higher he can climb on teams draft boards. Unfortunately, that would be bad news for the Cowboys if there are hoping that he is still there at the end of the fourth round when they are on the clock.
Also, it will be interesting to see how he performs in some of the agility drills, especially for a RB his size. You really don’t want to see slow choppy feet. Instead, you want to see him contain his momentum and balance throughout the drill.
