With the Dez Bryant distraction out of the way, the Dallas Cowboys are now focusing on establishing their depth chart and preparing for training camp at the end of the month. The attention will now shift back to the run game and whether or not the Cowboys have adequately replaced DeMarco Murray who left for the Philadelphia Eagles. After adding Darren McFadden and Ryan Williams to the rotation, is there a set No.1 guy yet?
The Cowboys let the NFL's leading rusher walk away into free agency and sign a deal with the Eagles as they now attempt at moving on with Murray gone. According to team owner Jerry Jones, the Cowboys have the best offensive line in the league and any rusher can be successful standing behind their front five. He will now find out just how true that is with his current rotation as the fight for the starting role continues.
According to ESPN Dallas' Todd Archer, Joseph Randle will enter training camp as the No.1 running back while McFadden comes in as the backup. Randle is returning after backing up Murray and is looking for a bigger role in the offense. Getting the starting job would certainly meet that desire as the Cowboys are confident he can handle the work load. There is a mixed opinion on whether or not Randle is "the guy" in Dallas. According to BleedingGreenNation.com, Randle will struggle to replace the leading rusher while Tulsa World believes he could be the breakout star of 2015.
McFadden comes to Dallas with a lot to prove. The running back had a forgettable stint with the Oakland Raiders and is being given a second chance to prove himself. The Cowboys are confident McFadden can be that top running back he was when he first entered the NFL. Along with Williams, that could round out the Cowboys' rotation which leaves Lance Dunbar on the outside looking in.
According to the Dallas Morning News, Dunbar and Williams are fighting to make the roster in 2015. Both players have value if they can show it. Williams has dealt with a number of injuries over the past few seasons. If he can stay healthy, he stands a chance at being kept. Dunbar has plenty of experience in the Cowboys' offense which gives him a leg up on the competition.
Team vice president Stephen Jones told the media that the Cowboys have a short-list of veteran running backs they will target if they feel the need to make an addition. That list does not include Ray Rice like ESPN's John Clayton originally reported, but it does involve Chris Johnson, Felix Jones and Steven Jackson. Time will tell if they have to go to it or not.
