Dallas Cowboys 2018 Positional Breakdown: Running Backs
The Dallas Cowboys running back position was likely the biggest reason for the team missing the postseason in 2017. We breakdown the roster at the position.
Nothing plagued the 2017 Dallas Cowboys more than the pending suspension of running back Ezekiel Elliott. Although the ban for suspected domestic violence was levied prior to the start of the regular season, legal wrangling kept the suspension looming over the team for a majority of the year.
Elliott’s legal battles, ever-postponing ban and eventual six-game suspension midway through the season killed the Cowboys chances at a return to the playoffs. Although Dallas, as a team, had many failings last season, the instability at the running back position hurt the most.
With that in mind, let’s breakdown the current roster at the running back position, take a look at the pending free agents and try to predict any moves in the coming months.
Running Backs
Roster
Ezekiel Elliott, RB
Rod Smith, RB
Trey Williams, RB
2018 Free Agents
Alfred Morris, RB
Keith Smith, FB (RFA)
Breakdown
Elliott is clearly the future of this position in Dallas, and likely the team’s most valuable player. Keeping his nose clean in the offseason will be paramount to the Cowboys’ future success as the team struggled last season without him.
Rod Smith seems like a nice, young player to groom behind Elliott. Although I would not be opposed to Dallas drafting a rookie runner to fill that role as well. Especially considering running backs like the New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara and the Kansas City Chiefs’ Kareem Hunt, the latter being this year’s NFL rushing leader, were both found in the third round of last year’s draft.
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Finally, it’s seems like a given Keith Smith will return in 2018. Head coach Jason Garrett loves having a fullback on the roster. And Smith is also a key special teamer. As for Alfred Morris, the veteran stepped up and played well for the Cowboys during Elliott’s absence. But Morris deserves more playing time than he would get in Dallas behind Elliott, Rod Smith and a potential rookie or two. Probably best if Alfie moves on in 2018.