The Dallas Cowboys under Brian Schottenheimer want to be known for a couple of things, including as yards-eating running team.
With Rico Dowdle moving on, the Cowboys signed Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to add to Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis to make up the running back room (could even add Hunter Luepke in there, too).
For most, that isn't how the running back situation will land come the final cutdowns, and there will likely be an addition in the draft, where Dallas gets its starter and has either Williams or Sanders playing backup.
Despite the two additions of Williams and Sanders, for Pro Football Focus, we know Dallas is still intent on getting a running back in the draft.
Bottom line: There remains some mystery here ... but there are three options we can zero in on.
1 - The Cowboys let Rico Dowdle walk in free agency knowing full well they planned on selecting a back in the NFL Draft. At one point, Ashton Jeanty was a hot name; now we doubt he will be available at Pick No. 12.
But they could still take Omarion Hampton high ... or with a trade-down.
2 - Dallas thinks it can still find a potential starter somewhere on Day 2 in what is considered a deep running back class. So don't bother using up No. 12 when such quality is available later.
3 - Not wanting to force it ... what if the right back never comes up in the draft?
Dallas now has Javonte and Miles Sanders, both of whom have proven to be starting-caliber options. So they don't have to "draft for need.''
Let's go with, say, Omarion Hampton as the pick.
How will the running back room will be configured? No mystery there, we don't think.
They'll want Hampton to win the job, with Javonte as the third-down back.
And then Sanders, Vaughn, and Davis fight for spots.
With a clear vision of how he wants his team to play, Schottenheimer knows the exact type of back he wants, and all possess the skills he is after, so training camp is where players will separate themselves.
How will that depth chart land? We now have our educated guesses.
