Dallas Cowboys: Can Bo Scarbrough crack the 53-man roster?
Despite being a seventh rounder, there is a lot of excitement surrounding this Alabama running back. But can he crack the Dallas Cowboys’ 53-man roster?
One of the most secure positions on the Dallas Cowboys current roster is at running back. Despite being suspended for six-games last season, starter Ezekiel Elliott was still considered one of the top players at his position in 2017. In fact, the NFL listed Zeke #54 in their recent Top 100 ranking.
Despite playing in just 10 games, Elliott was still in the league’s top ten in rushing attempts last season with 242 carries. Zeke also lead the NFL in rushing yards per game at 98.3 yards a contest. So, it’s crystal clear. The offense in Dallas runs through Elliott. And we don’t expect that to change anytime soon.
Behind Elliott on the depth chart is Rod Smith. The former Ohio State running back first earned his bones on special teams. At 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Smith also spent some time at fullback. But last season, Smith proved his worth as a running back.
During Elliott’s absence, the older brother of linebacker Jaylon Smith played well, ending his third-year averaging 4.2 yards per carry and recording 232 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground. Smith also had 19 receptions for 202 yards and another score. He enters 2018 as the clear backup to Zeke.
Regardless of both Elliott and Smith’s presence on the depth chart, the Cowboys couldn’t resist drafting Alabama bruiser back Bo Scarbrough with their final selection in the 2018 NFL Draft. Projected as a possible fourth round selection, Scarbrough dropped all the way to the seventh round due to questions about his durability and physical running-style being the biggest concerns.
At 6-foot-1, 228 pounds, Scarbrough was impressive in spot duty at Alabama. Playing on the NCAA’s biggest stage and in only a part-time role, Bo posted an impressive 1,408 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns the past two seasons combined.
Scarborough best performance came against Washington during his sophomore year. Selected as the Offensive MVP of the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl, Bo rushed for 180 yards and two scores. He would go on to post 93 rushing yards and two scores in one half of work in the CFP National Championship game against Clemson as well.
Unfortunately, Scarborough brings with him a laundry list of injuries from both his high school playing days and throughout college. He has suffered two different ACL tears, one in both of his knees. Scarbrough has also broken his leg, broken his ankle and suffered severe sprains to both his knee and high ankle.
But the Cowboys aren’t looking for a starter. In fact, their not really looking for a primary backup either. At best, Scarbrough looks to be a spot goal-line/shortage yardage back in his rookie season. But in order to justify placing him on the final 53-man roster, the rookie will need to play special teams.
"“[Scarbrough is] a big, impressive back and I really like his chances to make the team. But he’s still going to make contributions on special teams and show his worth during the preseason,” wrote David Helman for DallasCowboys.com. ” … I think he’s got a good chance to make the team, but by no means is it a guarantee.”"
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Despite his high-profile career at Alabama, Bo Scarbrough’s extensive injury history and physical-running style was enough to scare away most NFL teams. Still, behind this dominate offensive line in Dallas, fans are salivating over the young bruiser back’s potential. They should get a good look at Scarbrough in the preseason. But come final cuts, it may be hard to justify his presence on the 53-man roster if he doesn’t contribute elsewhere.