NFL Draft 2015: Dallas Cowboys looking at running backs

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly expected to draft a long-term replacement for DeMarco Murray at some point on Saturday.

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The Dallas Cowboys are comfortable selecting a running back in the later rounds of the 2015 NFL draft, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Was told #Cowboys were more than comfortable taking a RB in the 4th round because of the depth there. Now they take a UF OT in Chaz Green
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 2, 2015

As Rapoport notes, the Cowboys decided to add depth in the offensive line in the third round with the thought of drafting a running back in the fourth round. However, they selected linebacker Damien Wilson with the 127th overall pick, meaning the search for a back will continue later into day three.

It makes sense that the Cowboys would at least be looking at running back. Star running back DeMarco Murray is now with the division rival Philadelphia Eagles, meaning Dallas could use a long-term replacement at the position.

While that may seem like a rather important position to leave to the last three rounds of the draft, a few factors allowed the Cowboys to spend their earlier picks elsewhere.

Dallas has some depth at the running back position. Veteran Darren McFadden was brought in during free agency and figures to get the primary share of snaps in place of Murray. McFadden can be very good when healthy, but has dealt with injuries for much of his career. If McFadden goes down or simply isn’t very effective, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar are capable enough backups.

The biggest factor is that the Cowboys have the best offensive line in football. With all their other weapons on offense, Dallas might be able to plug-and-play any running back behind that line and get good production.

Dallas’ Super Bowl window is open right now, so it makes sense that the team would spend its early round picks at positions of greater weakness. The Cowboys have enough at the position for 2015, and a running back selection at this point would be more of a move for the long-term.

A few running backs are still available, including Boise State’s Jay Ajayi. Ajayi had an argument as the most talented back in the draft other than Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon, but concerns about a knee injury have led to a massive plummet. If Ajayi is still there at No. 163, Dallas would be hard-pressed to pass him up.

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