Can a sixth-round running back really make the Cowboys roster?
After drafting Ezekiel Elliott in the first round, does sixth round running back Darius Jackson really have a chance to make the Dallas Cowboys final 53-man roster?
The Dallas Cowboys shocked the sporting world when they drafted Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft last month. Especially since the Cowboys already bolstered a depth chart that included a 1,000+ yard rusher from last season in Darren McFadden, veteran scat back Lance Dunbar and recently signed free agent Alfred Morris.
So when the Cowboys used their next to last pick in the sixth round, 216th overall, on a running back from Eastern Michigan; it seemed a bit like overkill. With so many other talented backs on the depth chart, what are the chances Darius Jackson could actually make the team’s final roster?
According to one Cowboys insider, he’s chances could be better than one would think.
"“[Jackson’s] a bigger back, but he’s got some surprising speed to go with that power,” wrote DallasCowboys.com’s David Helman while answering a mailbag question on Friday. “Sixth-round picks aren’t all that valuable, but the Cowboys wouldn’t have used a pick of any kind on another running back if they weren’t highly interested. I’m not going to be surprised if Jackson finds himself a role on the 53.”"
On the surface, the Cowboys depth chart at running back may seem difficult to crack. But when you take a closer look, it’s far more plausible that Jackson could make the Cowboys 53-man roster.
Although Elliott is firmly established as the Cowboys starter from day one and beyond, the depth chart behind him is far less secure.
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McFadden, who rushed for a whopping 1,089 yards while only starting in 10 games last year, will be 29-years old before the regular season starts. Run DMC is also in the final year of his contract in Dallas and has an extensive injury history that precludes the Cowboys from relying on him as their workhorse back.
When the Cowboys added Morris to the roster this offseason, the former Washington Redskin and two-time Pro Bowler seemed like the ideal running mate beside McFadden in Dallas and a solution to the team’s short yardage issues. Following the draft, that partnership appears to have shifted over to Elliott as the potential starter. Leaving either McFadden or Morris as the proverbial third wheel.
As for Dunbar, his rehabilitation from a devastating leg injury in which he torn the ACL, MCL, and patellar tendon in his left knee will likely land him on the PUP list to start the regular season. That means the veteran scat back, who was the team’s best offensive player through the first four games of last year, would be sidelined for the first half of the upcoming season. And that could also be the opening that Jackson needs in order to make the team’s active roster.
During his last season at Eastern Michigan, Jackson recorded 1,088 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns in 12 games. The 6-0, 221 pound 22-year old really shined during his Pro Day, recording a 4.40 in the forty, a 41-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump. Although Jackson may have to make his bones playing special teams at first, he possess the athleticism to become much more.
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