The Dallas Cowboys were right not to shell out a monster contract for running back DeMarco Murray in free agency last offseason, but that doesn't mean they should ignore the position entirely moving forward. Thanks to their superior offensive line, Dallas managed to squeeze out an effective season from veteran Darren McFadden (1,089 rushing yards, 4.6 YPC, 40 receptions, 328 receiving yards) and they signed former Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris earlier this offseason.
But will that be enough to carry the offense should quarterback Tony Romo struggle with injuries again? McFadden has a lengthy injury history of his own and Morris looked like he had lost a step or two last season. Given that, it's understandable why the Cowboys appear to be doing their due diligence on Ohio State rusher Ezekiel Elliott.
Dallas worked the star running back out privately at Ohio State and they also had him in for a visit at Valley Ranch. With just 30 prospect visits allotted to each team, that means something. The team's interest isn't just a smokescreen to try and drum up trade interest. But it may not be the best use of Dallas' resources to select Elliott with the No. 4 overall pick.
Todd Gurley became the first running back selected in the first-round of the NFL draft since 2013 when the L.A. Rams took him at No. 10 last year, and he was coming off a serious knee injury. Elliott, though supremely talented, isn't as highly regarded as Gurley was. While Elliott belongs in the first-round of the draft based on talent alone, a top five pick is too expensive of a price to pay for a running back these days.
Just take a look around the NFL and you'll see that the running back position has become greatly devalued. Chris Ivory, Devonta Freeman, Latavius Murray, Thomas Rawls, Lamar Miller. All of these guys contributed as capable starting running backs in 2015 and not a single one of them was taken in the first round of the draft. Dallas would be better served by addressing a glaring defensive need, and waiting until Day 2 to nab a ball-carrier.
Still, it's easy to see why Dallas is interested in Elliott. While he may not have the same homerun speed as Todd Gurley, Elliott does possess a physical style of play that punishes opposing defenses. In 2015, he ran the ball 289 times for 1,821 yards (6.3 YPC) and 23 touchdowns.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
