The Dallas Cowboys currently have an interesting situation as far as the running back position goes. Obviously, the team won’t be picking one up early in April’s NFL draft. However, the later rounds (particularly the fifth) offer some intriguing options.
Will the Cowboys cut or trade Ezekiel Elliot? It’s a question that’s been on everyone’s minds this offseason. Owner Jerry Jones also has to contend with the fact that Tony Pollard emerged as a legitimate number one running back last season. So, what does he do? Drafting a running back in the fifth round gives him quality depth if Elliot indeed doesn’t fit into Jones’s long-term plans.
Once the Cowboys address the offensive line, interior defensive line, safety, and wide receiver, it’ll be much easier to add a potential starter or number two punch in a Cowboys running back duo.
Three prospects that the Cowboys can land with a fifth-round pick…
Rachaad White, Arizona State
White had one of the most impressive displays of speed at this year’s NFL Combine. He ran a 4.48 in his 40-yard dash and had a solid broad jump of 125 inches. White was a consistent dual threat in the offense while at Arizona State. He accumulated 456 receiving yards last season, on top of exactly 1,000 yards on the ground.
He regularly found the endzone in 2021, amassing 15 rushing touchdowns and one through the air. One of his biggest strengths was his breakaway speed out of the backfield. He can fit in as a third-down or receiving back right out of the gate for the Cowboys, giving them another offensive layer to work with.
Running behind Elliot and Pollard, presumably, will give White time to develop in the NFL, though he already possesses an excellent second gear once he gets into the open field. Defenses will need to account for him as a dual threat, and for a fifth-round choice, this is certainly a pick with high upside.
Jerome Ford, Cincinnati
After taking the reigns as the featured running back in Cincinnati last season, Jerome Ford flourished. He posted impressive numbers across the board: 1,319 rushing yards, 19 touchdowns, and an average of 6.1 yards per carry.
Pro Football Focus awarded Ford a remarkable 89.4 grade for the 2021 campaign. He’s definitely a larger running back, but that doesn’t hurt his burst or speed, and he can be used as either an outside or inside runner. He’ll fit into any offensive scheme in the NFL, which means the Cowboys can use him to break into the endzone in short yardage situations or as a change of pace running back.
He’s very much a downhill runner, not the most elusive prospect, but he has enough agility and speed to run away from defenders. He’ll assist in pass protection, which is something the Cowboys need more of. For a fifth-round selection, Ford would be an excellent pick that’ll give Dallas plenty to work with as he works on his receiving game.
Sincere McCormick, UTSA
Hailing from a relatively small program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, Sincere McCormick made the most of his combine performance. He ran a 4.61 (unofficial time) in his first attempt in the 40-yard dash and also posted a vertical jump of 38 inches to go along with a 125-inch broad jump.
McCormick is one of the shiftiest running backs in this class and possesses enough agility and speed to make things happen out of the backfield. Once he makes the initial defender miss, McCormick can breakaway and put the jets on. In college, McCormick amassed 1,663 scrimmage yards last year, finding the endzone a total of 15 times. He could easily be plugged into the Cowboys’ running back committee next season.
Dallas will make optimal use of McCormick’s on-field vision. He consistently showed in college an ability to identify which gaps to strike and showcased excellent movement in the backfield. McCormick will be slashing through NFL defenses for the Cowboys in no time.
