Cowboys RB Deuce Vaughn is the surprise cut candidate ahead of training camp

   

With the downtime between now and until training camp kicks off at the end of July, the NFL crew at A to Z Sports went through all 32 teams and selected a potential surprise cut candidate.

For the Dallas Cowboys, A to Z Sports picked running back Deuce Vaughn, pointing to the fact that the franchise clearly wants younger talent in their secondary: 

I have Vaughn making the team in the latest 53-man roster projection but the second-year running back who put on a show during last year's preseason is far from a lock. His struggles in pass pro were a major concern last year and that led to him being a healthy scratch for the majority of the season. Now, he's spending some time with the wide receivers and while that's exciting, it raises a tough question: Do the Cowboys think he provides enough value as just a No. 3 running back? Keep in mind, that Vaughn's size limits him to returning duties only on special teams and the Cowboys already have KaVontae Turpin). He needs to step it up in training camp and will be fighting for his job this summer. -Cowboys Beat writer Mauricio Rodriguez

Vaughn will enter his second year of training camp following a very quiet rookie campaign where he ran the ball just 23 times for 40 yards and caught seven passes for an additional 40 yards in seven games. 

But a year 2 jump could be on his radar if he can work two jobs and do them well. 

The Cowboys not only had Vaughn running the ball but also had him take reps at slot wide receiver during OTAs and mandatory minicamp this spring. 

Working in a dual-threat role isn't anything new for Vaughn, who tallied 3,604 rushing yards, 1,280 receiving yards, and 43 total touchdowns in three seasons at Kansas State. 

The Cowboys have an opening at WR3, so Vaughn being able to show off that versatility gives him a much better chance at making the 53-man roster.