Jerry Jones believes that any running back can be successful rushing behind the excellent offensive line of the Dallas Cowboys. Fans will find out just how true that really is after the Cowboys opted to pass on both Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon in the first round of the NFL Draft. After drafting Byron Jones with their first-round pick, will the Cowboys make a running back a priority in the second round while still exploring a trade for Adrian Peterson?
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Cowboys will select a running back in the second round after avoiding the position in the first. Many draft experts believed the Cowboys would grab Gurley in the first round, but the St. Louis Rams selected him instead. When the San Diego Chargers traded up to get Gordon, that left the Cowboys without their two favorite running backs on the board. Now one must be selected in the second round.
The Dallas Morning News reported that TJ Yeldon could actually be the best back for the Cowboys to take. He is one of the better all-around backs in the draft with great pass-catching and blocking skills while being an aggressive down-field rusher. He could be the ideal replacement for DeMarco Murray while running in tandem with Darren McFadden. Players like Ameer Abdullah and Tevin Coleman will also be options for the Cowboys if Yeldon gets swept up first.
Is there still a chance the Cowboys could land Adrian Peterson? According to Chris Tomasson of the Pioneer Press, the Minnesota Vikings wanted a first-round draft pick for the running back if they were going to trade him. The coaching staff has denied Peterson is going anywhere, but if the Cowboys offered up a other picks would they eventually agree to a deal?
According to Ben Goessling of ESPN, Peterson's status has not changed. The running back is not available for deals and will be the starting running back for the team in 2015. The first round came and went and no move was made meaning no move will be made at all. If the Cowboys plan on getting a running back it will have to be through the draft and not Minnesota.
