By now, the Dallas Cowboys' offseason issues have been well-documented. They're cap-strapped yet expected to re-sign both star wide receiver Dez Bryant and the NFL's leading rusher in 2014, DeMarco Murray. That will be difficult to do considering the type of seasons that both players had would easily fetch them top dollar on the open market. Even team owner Jerry Jones has admitted that it will be a "challenge" to get both players back in Big D next season.
One solution might be to just let Murray walk in free agency and turn to the 2015 NFL draft for a replacement. ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay projects the Cowboys to select Wisconsin running back (and Heisman Trophy runner-up) Melvin Gordon with the 27th pick in his Mock Draft 2.0.
"Re-signing both WR Dez Bryant and RB DeMarco Murray is going to be awfully difficult for Dallas this offseason, and if the Cowboys need to let one go, it's likelier to be the running back turning 27 years old who has an injury history," McShay wrote. "Murray has been great, but it's easier to find effective running backs (especially behind Dallas' offensive line) than it is to find elite receivers like Bryant. Gordon's running style is very similar to Murray's; he runs hard, is a work horse, gets from 0 to 60 in a flash and shows great vision and patience as a runner. He isn't great in pass protection or as a receiver, but he's getting better."
That last part might be key as Dallas needed every one of Murray's career-high 57 receptions to make the post-season this year. However, he did miss 11 games through his first three seasons and suffered a broken bone in his hand this year. When you see Justin Forsett producing for the Baltimore Ravens on the veteran's minimum, does it really make all that much sense to commit a mega deal to a running back?
The NFL draft will begin on April 30. We'll keep you updated on all of the juicy Cowboys rumors until then.
