Plus, we knowhe once had the home-run hitting speed this team has lacked at tailback, although he hasn't put it on display for a while.
Still Need To Know If:The Cowboys still need to know if McFadden has some juice left in those legs that ran a 4.33 at the combine back in 2008. That was few years ago, of course, and with his injury history, McFadden hasn't proven he can be a reliable No. 1 back. Obviously, he hasn't had the luxury of running behind this star-studded offensive line.
Lance Dunbar
What We Know:The Cowboys certainly like to get him involved and every year it seems Dunbar's role will be increasedeven more. He's got unique skills with his speed, quickness and his hands out of the backfield.
Still Need To Know If:Dunbar hasn't been the most consistent player, both health-wise and as a solid contributor. There are games when he has made a difference, but others in which he has been a non-factor. Currently, he hasn't signed his restricted free agent tender, but it's likely he will and will return to the mix.
Joseph Randle
What We Know:Last year, the Cowboys found out that Randle is certainly capable of shining in the backup role. He led the team with a 6.7-yard average and had the Cowboys' longest run from scrimmage at 65 yards.
Still Need To Know If:Randle's off-the-field issues have not been resolved, including an incident from February in Wichita, Kan., that potentially could have the running back facing both drug and domestic violence charges. On the field, we saw what he could do as the backup, but the jury is still out on whether he could be a consistent rusher with more touches.
Ryan Williams
What We Know:We know the Cowboys wanted Williams around last year and it sounded like he had no intentions of going elsewhere, even turning down some offers to get on the 53-man roster for other teams. He showed some flashesin the preseason last year, but not enough to land him on the Cowboys roster.
Still Need To Know If:The Cowboys need to find out if Williams is indeed good enough to make the team. He did some good things late in preseason games, but never got the chance to run behind the Cowboys' starting line, or against No. 1 defenses. Injuries have plagued him during his career, but at some point Williams needs a shot to prove he can live up the potential of a high-second-round pick.
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(Editor's Note: With NFL free agency in its second month, but the league still a few weeks away from the draft, the staff members of DallasCowboys.com will analyze every position, profiling each player with what we know and what still needs to be determined. Today, we will begin the 11-part series with running back.)
IRVING, Texas – No position seemed to make more headlines this offseason than the running back spot. With the departure of DeMarco Murray, the NFL's leading rusher and Offensive Player of the Year, it created quite a stir around the league. However, the Cowboys quickly filled the spot with Darren McFadden, although the jury is out on if he'll be the only true replacement.
Look for the Cowboys to keep a close eye on several running backs in the draft, but until then, let's focus on the current tailbacks and fullbacks on the roster.
Darren McFadden
What We Know:Without a doubt, McFadden is the most experienced running back on this roster with seven years in the NFL. The other three tailbacks have the same amount of years under their belt as McFadden combined.
Plus, we knowhe once had the home-run hitting speed this team has lacked at tailback, although he hasn't put it on display for a while.
Still Need To Know If:The Cowboys still need to know if McFadden has some juice left in those legs that ran a 4.33 at the combine back in 2008. That was few years ago, of course, and with his injury history, McFadden hasn't proven he can be a reliable No. 1 back. Obviously, he hasn't had the luxury of running behind this star-studded offensive line.
Lance Dunbar
What We Know:The Cowboys certainly like to get him involved and every year it seems Dunbar's role will be increasedeven more. He's got unique skills with his speed, quickness and his hands out of the backfield.
Still Need To Know If:Dunbar hasn't been the most consistent player, both health-wise and as a solid contributor. There are games when he has made a difference, but others in which he has been a non-factor. Currently, he hasn't signed his restricted free agent tender, but it's likely he will and will return to the mix.
Joseph Randle
What We Know:Last year, the Cowboys found out that Randle is certainly capable of shining in the backup role. He led the team with a 6.7-yard average and had the Cowboys' longest run from scrimmage at 65 yards.
Still Need To Know If:Randle's off-the-field issues have not been resolved, including an incident from February in Wichita, Kan., that potentially could have the running back facing both drug and domestic violence charges. On the field, we saw what he could do as the backup, but the jury is still out on whether he could be a consistent rusher with more touches.
Ryan Williams
What We Know:We know the Cowboys wanted Williams around last year and it sounded like he had no intentions of going elsewhere, even turning down some offers to get on the 53-man roster for other teams. He showed some flashesin the preseason last year, but not enough to land him on the Cowboys roster.
Still Need To Know If:The Cowboys need to find out if Williams is indeed good enough to make the team. He did some good things late in preseason games, but never got the chance to run behind the Cowboys' starting line, or against No. 1 defenses. Injuries have plagued him during his career, but at some point Williams needs a shot to prove he can live up the potential of a high-second-round pick.
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