The 2013 NFL Draft has finally arrived and we can all stop the guessing over who the Dallas Cowboys will select at pick number 18. For Dallas it isn’t rocket science since their needs are obvious and the suspects for potential picks are well known. They need help along both the offensive and defensive lines, as well as the safety position.
Feel free to argue about which of these positions needs the biggest upgrade but none of them are up for debate. However, those aren’t the only needs the Cowboys have and when looking into other positions the Cowboys should draft for, running back is near the top of the list as well.
DeMarco Murray hasn’t been the most durable player on the roster during his first two years in Dallas and given the position that he plays, it’s not reasonable to expect him to play all 16 games in any given season. So it’s clear that Dallas needs a backup running back and should select one in the draft but question is, when is it the right time to draft one?
I know it’s not polite to answer a question with a question but it may all depend on who’s available? The top two running backs in the 2013 NFL Draft are Eddie Lacy and Johnathan Franklin, then the group really bunches up. The Cowboys likely won’t get a shot at either of these runners because they should be gone by the time Dallas is on the clock in round two.
Let’s be real clear now, I know it’s hard to predict where players will be drafted and even though we don’t know the exact round the Cowboys will address the running back position, under no circumstance should it be within the first two rounds. The Cowboys much bigger issues to deal with before addressing their backup running back situation. Dallas needs to get at least two starters in this draft and drafting a backup, even if he will play a significant amount, is not smart thinking. The Cowboys have always been able to do well at running back late in the draft and the rookie free agent market, so they don’t need to reach for one too early.
The Cowboys will know when the time, and player, is right for them to draft a running back. I think beginning in round four, the Cowboys should be looking into finding a complimentary back for Murray. Prospects that fall into that range would include Stepfan Taylor, Joseph Randle, Mike Gillislee and Marcus Lattimore. Any one of those ‘backs would make a nice addition to the Cowboys and it would be the perfect time for Dallas to draft them.
Dallas should wait until Saturday before they start picking out what running backs would look good with the star on the side of their helmet. Patience is a virtue and the Cowboys should remember that when trying to decide who to draft and play behind DeMarco Murray.
I think the Cowboys need to draft defensive players an offense of lineman cause there will be plenty of good running backs that won’t be drafted.