Dallas Cowboys Post NFL Combine Draft Preview – Running Back’s

Now that the NFL Combine has come and gone it’s time to update the list of potential Running Backs that may have the attention of the Dallas Cowboys. If you haven’t read the initial Running Back preview you can view it here. There are rumors swirling of Adrian Peterson wanting to come to play for the Cowboys, but he has yet to be re-instated and he still may face a suspension when he returns.

So, the original list had eight players, but my top five have changed and a new three at the bottom. Here’s the list:

1. Todd Gurley, Georgia

2. Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

3. Ameer Abdullah, Nebraska

4. Tevin Coleman, Indiana

5. Jay Ajayi, Boise State

6. David Johnson, Northern Iowa

7. Zach Zenner, South Dakota State

8. John Crockett, North Dakota State

The three newbies on the list are all small school guys with big production. The NFL Scouting Combine showed that athletically they are on par with the other top backs available.

Here is a scouting report on the newcomers:

David Johnson, Northern Iowa, 6-1 224

Big, strong kid who showed excellent speed and explosiveness at the NFL Combine. Ran 4.5 40, had a 41.5” vertical and broad jumped 127” while throwing up 25 reps at 225 on bench. Performed well at the Senior Bowl as well, showing he’s not just a small school kid. Has great hands as shown with his 203 yards RECEIVING against Iowa.

John Crockett, North Dakota State, 6-0 217

A patient runner with an explosive lower body. Had a 40” vertical and broad jumped 125” at the NFL Combine. Possesses big, strong hands and can be a threat out of the backfield. An absolute workhorse, had 398 touches in 2014.

Zach Zenner, South Dakota State, 5-11 223

Big, fast, and tough. One of the most complete backs in the draft. Good hands and great blocker who will stick it to a blitzing linebacker. Performed well against better competition as well, running for 202 yards against Nebraska in 2013.  Surprised many at the NFL Combine with 4.6 40, 25 reps on bench, 40” vertical and 121” broad jump.

More updates from the NFL Scouting Combine to come.

@geoffrey_craig