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Cowboys 2016 Draft: The case against Darren McFadden

By Steven Mullenax

Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon (41) forces a fumble by Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) as McFadden is running into the end zone during the second half at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Washington Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon (41) forces a fumble by Dallas Cowboys running back Darren McFadden (20) as McFadden is running into the end zone during the second half at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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We discuss the reasons the Dallas Cowboys should draft a running back despite the success veteran runner Darren McFadden had last season in Dallas.

It’s an argument we’ve heard countless times regarding the Dallas Cowboys backfield. Why should the Cowboys draft a running back, specifically Ohio State’s Ezekiel Elliott, when starter Darren McFadden ran for over 1,000 yards last season?  On the surface, this is a valid argument. But when you take a closer look and consider his history, I believe it reveals the Cowboys have a bigger need at the position than most fans believe.

First, let me preface this argument with saying I really like McFadden. The fact he performed well last season, appears to be a great locker room guy and is a self-proclaimed Cowboys fan are all reasons to love him.

Despite starting in only 10 games last season, Run DMC posted 1,089 rushing yards, the fourth highest total in the NFL. McFadden also posted a 4.6 yards per carry average, his highest since 2011.

And despite his extensive injury history, McFadden played in all 16 games last year as well. That’s the second season in a row he’s been able to stay healthy all year. Again, these are all reasons why we love McFadden.

And let’s finally put the myth to rest about the statement: “any running back can find success behind the Cowboys dominate offensive line”. It’s simply not true. Where McFadden thrived last season, former Cowboys running backs Joseph Randle and Christine Michael failed.

Considering all the success McFadden had in Dallas last season, it’s no wonder so many fans are in the veteran’s corner and want him to be their starter in 2016. But let’s look at the numbers more closely.

Last season, McFadden carried the ball a total of 239 times. Despite starting in only 10 games in 2015, that was the eighth highest total in the NFL. In his three best games last year, it took carry totals of 29, 27, and 29 to get him there.

Now consider the fact McFadden scored a total of three touchdowns last year. And as the starter, he scored only once and had three fumbles. One of those turnovers infamously happened at the goal line in the final game of the season against Washington.

Out of the ten games McFadden did start, four of them were fairly mediocre rushing performances. Those include:

Week 8 against Seattle: 64 yards, 20 carries
Week 10 at Tampa Bay: 32 yards, 17 carries
Week 12 against Carolina: 11 yards, 10 carries
Week 13 at Washington: 53 yards, 1 TD, 14 carries, two fumbles

But maybe the most damning indictment against relying too heavily on McFadden in the future is the fact the Cowboys went 4-12 last season despite his lauded success. While former Cowboys starting running back DeMarco Murray led the NFL in rushing in 2014 with 1,845 yards on a league-high 392 carries, Murray also led the Cowboys to a 12-4 record, to being undefeated on the road and to their first playoff victory since 2009.

Now granted, McFadden didn’t have starting quarterback Tony Romo under center for a majority of the season. But it wasn’t like Run DMC’s presence won games for the Cowboys either. In fact, Dallas was only able to win twice while McFadden was the starter.

Now throw in the fact that McFadden will turn 29-years old in August, has missed a whopping 29 games in his first seven years in the league due to various injuries and that he’s in his final contract year in Dallas; and it should at least give fans pause about relying too heavily on Run DMC this season.

Obviously adding a two-time Pro Bowler like running back Alfred Morris should help solidify the position. But Morris’ presence and McFadden’s success last season should not preclude the Cowboys from adding a talented runner to their depth chart via the NFL Draft this week. Even if that’s with the fourth overall pick in the first round.

Next: Dallas Cowboys 2016 Draft: Nine Full Mock Drafts

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