The Dallas Cowboys easily have one of the worst running attacks in the NFL. Through six games the Cowboys have totaled 463 yards for a team average of 3.5 yards per attempt. Rico Dowdle leads the team in rushing, but as a talent, he’s “fine.” Ezekiel Elliott doesn’t have the same explosiveness he once had and has struggled to succeed in his second stint with the team. Deuce Vaughn, who many expected to provide Dallas with an explosive change of pace runner, has been outrushed by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Perhaps this was all predictable. The Cowboys were supposed to draft a running back, but they boldly ignored the advice and did not draft a running back. Dallas can’t longer overlook the need for a runner, as the position needs new blood and a fresh start.
A new darling prospect has emerged as the college football season has progressed. Ashton Jeanty from Boise State has exploded on the scene and is challenging for the Heisman Award. The junior from Jacksonville, FL, has totaled 1,247 yards in six games with 17 rushing touchdowns. Jeanty has thrust himself to the head of the running back class, and Cowboys fans have already started the campaign to bring him to Dallas. Not so fast. If Jeanty is as good as advertised, he’ll likely have many suitors, and the Cowboys may not be in range to draft him. Think back to Bijan Robinson. Through the many edited images of Robinson in a Cowboys uniform and online debates of positional value, fans overlooked who else had Robinson in their sights. Before spending months fawning over a prospect and getting hopes up, considering alternative options is a good idea. Here are three running backs to watch from now and throughout the draft season.
Devin Neal
Devin Neal has been on the radar for over a year. Last season, Neal exploded for the Jayhawks. He ran for 1,280 yards and 16 touchdowns. Neal has been overshadowed by the struggles of Kansas, who have fallen to a 1-5 record. The Jayhawks’ defense has allowed 30 points per game over their five losses, taking Neal out of the game plan and reducing his impact in games. Furthermore, Neal has also taken a backseat to other running backs in the Big 12, such as Ollie Gordon and D.J. Giddens. The senior has good size at 5’11”, 215 lbs. Neal is a dynamic runner with long speed and an ideal fit as an outside zone runner with just enough toughness to run between the tackles. Neal is also a reliable pass catcher who has the willingness to block oncoming blitzes.
Is Devin Neal even real!!?? 🤯🤯
48-yard TD on his FIRST TOUCH OF THE SEASON pic.twitter.com/voxiwt7jzD
— Kansas Football (@KU_Football) September 2, 2023
Omarion Hampton
Omarion Hampton will be the second runner off the board. Book it. Hampton provides the perfect blend of patience and vision. Hampton displays excellent instincts as a runner to see cut-back lanes and catch would-be tacklers in the wrong gap. He’s got a thickly built frame and is a punishing runner that bludgeons defenses as the game wears on. He’ll fight for every blade of grass, and defenders have to swarm him to bring him down. Upon making contact with defenders, he is a battering ram. He can carry a load for an offense and has no problem taking on high-volume carries. The North Carolina offense has suffered several injuries at quarterback, but Hampton has been the one constant. This season, he has run for 901 yards and recorded 20 receptions. At this rate, he’ll set career-highs in receptions. Like Neal, Hampton is a viable option out of the backfield and is the definition of a three-down back. His size, physicality, and reliability under a steady workload are reminiscent of Ezekiel Elliott. Behind the right offensive line, he could have an immediate impact as a rookie.
Really, really impressive run by UNC running back Omarion Hampton. Contact balance + acceleration to eliminate the angle from the safety.
Too bad now Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins ruined it with a chase down forced fumble at the goal line. Outstanding hustle and closing speed. pic.twitter.com/syGelfkEye
— Ryan Roberts (@RiseNDraft) June 8, 2024
Jonah Coleman
Jonah Coleman joined the Washington Huskies after transferring from Arizona. Coleman had modest numbers for the Wildcats, but you’ll notice his skill jumps off the screen when watching him play. Coleman has very shifty feet for a running back his size at almost 230 pounds. His thick lower half makes defenders slip right off him when he is being arm-tackled. Once contacted by defenders, he maintains his balance quickly to regain full speed abruptly. Coleman has sudden hips to quickly change direction at a moment’s notice to go along with soft hands as a receiver and effortlessly makes defenders miss in space. Coleman could start as a two-down back but, with gradual experience, form into a three-down workhorse at the NFL level.
Jonah Coleman will probably be a day three pick in a loaded RB class but man this guy is a ton of fun
No wasted reps with this dudepic.twitter.com/jijIUpX0OC https://t.co/xP0WhFgpA3
— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) October 9, 2024
More From
- Sunday Night Football odds, pick and live discussion: Jets at Steelers
- Amid all the Cowboys problems on offense, Dak Prescott’s play has been a contributor to their failures
- NFL Week 7 (2024) late games live discussion
- Cowboys hot topic: Patience is key when it comes to rookie LT Tyler Guyton
- NFL Week 7 (2024) early games live discussion
- The Amari Cooper trade and the undue criticism it has generated for the Cowboys front office
