(Editor's Note: The staff of DallasCowboys.com is currently previewing the depth chart at each position on the Cowboys' roster. The biggest remaining variable in determining that depth chart is the NFL draft, which begins April 30. This series will identify five potential draft picks who could affect the depth chart at each position.)
IRVING, Texas –There's no shortage of needs on the Cowboys' roster, and several places where they could immediately impact the depth chart with a draft pick.
None of those problem spots will be as high-profile as running back, given the movement around the position in the last month. The Cowboys lost an All-Pro running back in DeMarco Murray, and they replaced him with a former top-10 draft pick in Darren McFadden. There's also the ever-present speculation that they could acquire a potential Hall of Famer in Adrian Peterson.
With all of that swirling around, there's also the possibility of the draft, which features a deep class of ball carriers the Cowboys could select to bolster the position. From the first round to the third day of the draft, here are five possibilities for the future of the team's running back position.
1. Todd Gurley, Georgia –Gurley is the first and most obvious name listed at the position, as he's widely regarded as the top running back in the draft. It's very likely he won't even be there when the Cowboys pick in the first round, but he would certainly be a factor as a rookie. One interesting twist is that he's just five months removed from an ACL tear, so it's hard to say how that will affect his rookie season.
2. Tevin Coleman, Indiana –Behind Gurley and Melvin Gordon, Coleman is widely regarded as one of several running backs the Cowboys could snag at pick No. 60. He ran for 2,036 yards in 2014, but he is recovering from a foot injury teams will have a close eye on.
3. Jay Ajayi, Boise State –At this point in the draft process, Ajayi and Coleman might as well be synonyms. Both are capable of playing a major role as rookies, both might be gone by the 60th overall pick. Ajayi rushed for 28 touchdowns for the Broncos last fall.
4. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama –Given that he played for the Crimson Tide, Yeldon is one of the more well-known running backs coming out of college football, but he looks likely to fall to the third round of the draft – if not further. He's proven his abilities as a runner, a receiver and a blocker, and he could be a valuable mid-round addition.
5. Javorius Allen, USC –Allen gets lost in the shuffle in such a talented draft class, but he was a 1,489-yard rusher for the Trojans last year – while adding another 451 receiving yards. He averaged 21 carries per game last season and could be taken as late as the fourth round.
