The Dallas Cowboys are used to thinking outside of the box when it comes to players in their backfield. Since 2014 we've seen this team have two different players lead the league in rushing, DeMarco Murray and Ezekiel Elliott, and their lead-blocking fullback be either a Clutts or linebacker-turned-fullback in Keith Smith (who actually beat Rod Smith out for the starting fullback spot). The Cowboys are experimenting yet again by officially moving FB Rod Smith to running back.
https://twitter.com/GlennMarini/status/853061308178214912
Rod Smith is indeed the younger brother of Jaylon Smith, who is a big experiment in his own right; Rod has been wearing blue and silver for a little bit longer, though. He officially joined the team in 2015 and even had a kick return that season. Since then Rod has been the older brother of Jaylon, been waived, and been put on the team by virtue of a practice squad spot.
Rod Smith Can Help The Cowboys In 2017
Now we here at Inside The Star are believers in Rod Smith's ability to make the 2017 Dallas Cowboys roster, and his switcharoo to running back could certainly aid in that regard. Currently the Cowboys have the aforementioned Ezekiel Elliott, the newly re-signed Darren McFadden, and last year's free agent acquisition Alfred Morris comprising their backfield.
The Cowboys have been looking to trade Alfred Morris this offseason, which would indicate that they don't necessarily plan on having him around when the 2017 season really ramps up. Before this news of Rod Smith's position change broke it certainly made sense for the Cowboys to consider exercising some NFL Draft capital on the position – man if only Darius Jackson were still around… – but maybe this alters the plans a bit.
This Move Could Save The Cowboys A Draft Pick
Dallas was never going to spend a premier pick on a running back, and Staff Writer Sean Martin agrees as it was a late-round one that he found for the Cowboys in his seven round Mock Draft. Perhaps then the plan that makes the most sense is to have Rod Smith be the third guy, or fourth guy in waiting on the practice squad. Typically a team's third running back is someone who's waiting in the wings and can contribute significantly on special teams, those are bills that Rod Smith absolutely fits.
There's no doubt that the 2017 NFL Draft needs to be a big defensive one for the Dallas Cowboys. They are already tied for the second-least amount of total picks entering the Draft, and if they can save themselves a need on offense they most certainly need to. This move by Rod Smith could be that saving grace and the fact that it's happening less than two weeks until Draft Day could be the glaring indication of such a saving happening.
