Cowboys 'Big' RB Prediction Reveal: Tony Pollard Leaves, Draft Replacement?
The Dallas Cowboys run game this left a lot to be desired as Tony Pollard as the lead back didn't quite work out how coach Mike McCarthy had envisioned it.
While Pollard did notch the 1,000-yard mark for the second straight season, CowboysSI.com has strongly suggested in our reporting that his time in Dallas is coming to an end; our Mike Fisher quotes sources as saying Dallas is unlikely to spend big at the running back position and is leaning toward trying to find a starter in the NFL Draft.
So ... After playing under the $10 million franchise tag this season and seeing his stats go down with more snaps, we're telling you that the Cowboys aren't likely to fork out such a salary again.
The Cowboys finished 15th in rushing yards per game (113.5) and at times, Dak Prescott had little to no run game to help ease the offensive pressure. In Dallas' four of its five losses in the regular season, it failed to surpass 100 yards rushing.
That needs to change going forward. CowboysSI.com has explained the concept. And now ESPN has revealed its "big" prediction for the Cowboys this offseason. ... mirroring ours.
"The Cowboys will allow running back Tony Pollard to leave in free agency and then trade up to the top of the third round to take a new starting running back, perhaps TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) or Blake Corum (Michigan)," ESPN writes. "There aren't really any running backs projected to go in this year's first two rounds, but the Cowboys will want to move up to make sure they get the guy they want."
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK, Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Now, is this a "big" prediction? Not exactly.
Will the Cowboys' looking for alternatives, lead them to, say, a one-year deal for free agent Derrick Henry? Or a chase of Saquon Barkley? Again, we're prepping Cowboys Nation for the answer to be "no.''
So about those draft-worthy runners ...
Blake Corum from Michigan is a decent choice as he led the NCAA in rushing touchdowns this season (27) as he totaled 1,245 rushing yards. In his last two seasons, Corum has a combined 2,708 yards and 45 rushing touchdowns. That'll work.
Henderson in his 10 games for Ohio State rushed for 926 yards and 11 touhcdowns and also caught 19 passes for 229 yards. Both seem like viable options.
What does all this mean for say, Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke and Rico Dowdle? Will Dallas place a tender on Dowdle given when he had ample opportunities, he produced good production? As for Vaughn, he didn't quite cut it in his first season, but another training camp under his belt could see his reps increase.
While change at the running back position is hardly a "big" prediction, it does feel like a logical one. One thing we know for certain, if Dallas moves off Pollard and drafts a running back, it will hardly be a headline grabbing move.
