The Dallas Cowboys have signed two running backs in free agency, meaning their interest in a deep running back class could dwindle in earlier rounds of the NFL Draft.
FRISCO — Months ago, many pegged Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty as a lock to the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL Draft.
Once the season ended, many mocks reflected that trendy connection.
After all, Jeanty, a Frisco native, fit the apparent need in the team’s backfield. A college football dynamo seemed the perfect resolution for Jerry Jones and company in round one.
Flash forward past the frenzy of free agency and now that is far from the case. Jeanty could be coming off the board before the Cowboys make their first selection and Dallas may have their sights set on a number of other targets.
Signings of running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders contribute to that change. In fact, the development of a new committee may push back the pursuit of an early round selection at the position altogether.
But there is a clear need for the Cowboys to add some youth at the position and at least experiment with the contingent at hand. Using one of their selections, Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo could be an option worth considering for Dallas.
Skattebo has seen his draft stock skyrocket since the final stages of the season. The Sun Devils defeat in the Peach Bowl proved his coming out party and showcased his glaring versatility.
Skattebo is an extremely strong and physical runner but able to make plays both in the run and the pass. That skillset still has him lurking outside the top 10 of running back prospects in his class despite a recent meteoric rise.
So what are the benefits for Dallas here in taking Skattebo? The Cowboys have seemingly organized a backfield committee again, but for the second straight season, one of the additions may have little tread left on his tires in Sanders.
It is possible he finds a boost in a new environment with the Cowboys, but probably more likely that a younger back with a more vast skillset could usurp him on the depth chart.
Williams has shown flashes in his time with the Denver Broncos but does not have the makings of a bona fide No. 1 back. Altogether, there is opportunity for Dallas to get a steal with a rising prospect still somewhat flying under the radar.
This will be one of several major draft day decisions in store for the Cowboys, but a major opportunity if they can hit on a player like Skattebo later in the draft.
