Enough has been made about the Dallas Cowboys' backfield since DeMarco Murray left in free agency earlier this offseason. With arguably the NFL's best offensive line (which features three first-round picks and first-round talent La'El Collins), plenty of rushers will find enough space to produce for the Cowboys this season. The lead running back duties will likely fall to Joseph Randle, who has impressed in scattered playing time over the last two seasons.
But even if Randle enjoys a quality season, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys could still be in the market for a ball carrier when the 2016 NFL Draft rolls around. Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon enticed teams enough to be the first running backs selected in the first round since 2012 a few months ago. Who's to say the same can't happen next year? Specifically, the Cowboys could be eyeing Utah senior Devontae Booker.
"Will the 2016 draft follow in '15's footsteps with multiple first-round RBs?" Chris Burke of Sports Illustrated wrote in his Mock Draft 1.0. "Booker was on the fence regarding his draft status, before ultimately returning to Utah. Now in his second year out of the Juco ranks, he could be a Heisman candidate. A three-down back who is perfectly comfortable catching passes, Booker totaled 1,800 yards and 12 touchdowns last season."
Murray led the league in rushing (1,845) last year and the Cowboys ranked No. 1 in time of possession (32:51). While the team can't be expected to repeat those exact numbers, Randle and company should have enough quality blocking to keep Dallas' offense churning. But if Jerry Jones is looking for a little more pop in the backfield, then Booker or Ohio State's Ezekiel Elliot appear to be the top running back prospects in the 2016 NFL Draft.
