The Dallas Cowboys caught fans off guard on Thursday when they signed veteran offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji, who is the latest in a string of depth signings the front office has made to beef up the offensive trenches this offseason.
That might hint that Dallas doesn't view offensive line as a priority in the NFL Draft. That would open the door for them to target their other needs early. In no order, wide receiver, running back and cornerback are leaking oil more than the other positions on the roster.
The running back discourse in particular is polarizing. Assuming Ashton Jeanty doesn't fall and the Cowboys aren't actually considering Omarion Hampton at No. 12, the second round (No. 44 overall) might be their best bet to land one of the top prospects.
Jerry Jones and Co. have met with most of the top runners in this class. One in particular would seemingly love to join America's Team: Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins.
Quinshon Judkins is practically begging to be drafted by the Cowboys
In an interview with Kay Adams of "Up & Adams," Judkins singled out Jerry Jones as the one NFL coach or executive that left the biggest mark on him of his pre-draft meetings to that point.
Judkins noted he was about to get on a plane to visit with the Giants, but it is noteworthy nonetheless that the one and only Jerry Jones made a lasting impression on the former Buckeye.
"One of the most exciting ones I've met so far and probably the most entertaining and funny I would say Jerry Jones," Judkins said. "He's a great guy. Got to talk ball, have a great sit-down and ask certain questions. ... We asked each other questions. I think that's something that is important for an athlete - to ask questions. Most people don't."
"As an owner of an organization, he has a great relationship with a lot of his players. I think that's the case with a lot of different owners and that stuff is important in this league."
Jones certainly has his warts as an owner. That is an understatement. But players do seem to love him and Judkins is no different.
Simply put, Judkins would be a fantastic pick for Dallas in the second round.
A power runner who flourishes between the tackles, Judkins alleviated any concerns about his speed and explosiveness at the NFL Combine, where he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and a 1.51 10-yard split to go with a 38.5-inch vertical and 11-foot broad jump. That showing all but solidified him as a second-round pick.
As a bulldozer, it shouldn't surprise that Judkins had the highest PFF rushing grade of any running back in goal-to-go situations last season. His 64.7% conversion rate (he turned 17 carries into 11 touchdowns), ranked second in the FBS, per PFF. That goal-line efficiency would be a welcome sight in Dallas.
We know Judkins was a 30 visit with the Cowboys and we know the Cowboys would take a running back as high as the second round if the board cooperates. That Judkins would seemingly relish the opportunity to play for America's Team only adds to the likelihood that they end up together.