The biggest lingering question in the NFL offseason as teams get back to work is the future of Adrian Peterson. In an interview with ESPN, Peterson has made it clear that he is seeking a change once reinstated into the NFL and is considering holding out from offseason workouts with the Minnesota Vikings until the team seeks out a trade for the running back. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys have the cap space to take on his contract, but are eyeing draft prospects instead.
The Cowboys continue to ignore the speculation that they are gearing up for a trade involving Peterson after they restructured Tony Romo's contract which cleared the path to take on the running back and his high-priced contract. Instead, the Dallas Morning News is reporting the Cowboys are bringing in every top running back prospects with the plan being to potentially draft one in the first round.
According to Tony Pauline of Draftinsider.com, the Cowboys are potentially eyeing a trade up in the draft in order to select Wisconsin standout Melvin Gordon. Dallas makes their first pick at No. 27 and both Gordon and Todd Gurley could easily be gone by then. Trent Richardson was the last running back to be selected in the first round of the draft, but both Gordon and Gurley are considered homerun picks and worth a first-round look. Dallas could be reading the hype.
Gordon was the top rusher in 2014, putting up 2,587 yards which is the second most in a season in FBS history. It earned him a Heisman trophy nomination and could potentially get him selected in the first round of the draft. The Cowboys need a running back and Gordon would be a solid fit. The team has yet to truly replace DeMarco Murray after his exit to the Philadelphia Eagles. Darren McFadden is not the best option to replace the NFL's leading rusher. Gordon would be a solid fit to help.
The question is whether or not Dallas needs to get him in the first round. The Atlanta Falcons draft at No. 8 and could take a running back. The Arizona Cardinals draft at No. 24 while the Baltimore Ravens select at No. 26 and both teams could take a running back. If Gurley goes in the top 10, the Cowboys could feel the pressure to move up for Gordon. They could have to jump up to at least the No. 23 pick where the Detroit Lions make their first selection.
Until the Cowboys make a move otherwise, Peterson will be speculated as the Plan A. Dallas likely does not want to make any premature moves until the running back is officially reinstated into the NFL. When that move is made, the Cowboys could easily make a call immediately for Peterson.