The Dallas Cowboys have to figure out a way to replace running back DeMarco Murray's production. Murray signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency and took his NFL-leading 1,800-plus rushing yards with him. Murray was Dallas' top offensive player last year as he set career highs in carries, yards, touchdowns, receptions, receiving yards and games played. Darren McFadden, Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar won't be able to replace him so easily, even with an offensive line that features three first-round picks.
So how will the Cowboys maintain one of the best rushing attacks in the league? By drafting Georgia tail back Todd Gurley.
Although ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. projects the Cowboys to select Wake Forest cornerback Kevin Johnson in his Mock Draft 3.0, he notes how well Gurley would fit in Big D.
"Dallas is going to have one of the best run-blocking lines in the NFL next season, if not the best," Kiper wrote. "The Cowboys don't need a dancer, they need a player who will get downhill fast and turn a crease into a big run because he's so hard to get to the ground when he hits the second level. Gurley can do that. Dallas added Darren McFadden, but they won't be done at this position.
"The chances: I'd safely say less than 50-50. Dallas has shown good restraint recently, such as in last year' draft and in not overpaying DeMarco Murray, so it certainly wouldn't be knocked by me for passing on a RB in Round 1 (I certainly would). But Gurley is worth a close look if they think he's a missing link."
The Cowboys have also been rumored to be interested in Wisconsin running back Melvin Gordon. Even if the team doesn't use its first-round pick on a ball carrier, it's clear that they need to gather up some able bodies to compete for the position.
