Dallas Cowboys 2011 NFL Draft: Roy Helu Jr., Filling Marion Barber's Roster Spot

While most analysts and fans alike expect the Cowboys to spend the 2011 NFL Draft rebuilding an aging offensive line and a depleted defensive secondary, there are still issues in the offensive backfield that must be addressed for 2011.

Marion Barber's tenure in Dallas has been a bitter disappointment, and the Cowboys cannot afford to continue to feed him the ball if they wish to jump start their offense. Barber's struggles to produce in Dallas hurt the entire team, not just his own stats, and it's time for Jerry Jones to cut his losses and send Barber on his way.   

In 2011, Tashard Choice should become the starter, and Felix Jones should be the guy with 12-15 carries per game so that his explosiveness can be managed in a way so as to prevent the injuries that have repeatedly sidelined him since his rookie season in 2008

While most expect the Cowboys to either trade or simply release Barber this off-season, there will still be a need to find that third back to be the backup for Choice and Jones. And, if Choice were to find greener pastures from teams willing to pay him far better than the Cowboys have for his services, the Cowboys could quickly find themselves left with Felix Jones as the only running back to remain in the rotation from the past three years.

That man should be none other than Roy Helu, the 6'0", 219 lb. running back from Nebraska. Helu is listed as the 183rd ranked player by CBS Draft Prospects list, and could possibly be a sixth round pick for the Cowboys that would provide real talent at the backup running back position behind Choice and Jones.

With a 4.40 time in the 40 yard dash, and an even more impressive 2.52 time in the twenty, Helu's size and speed make him a very viable option as the third string back to follow Tashard Choice and Felix Jones.

With Jason Garrett promising a return to physical football, Helu's six foot frame and 219 pounds should fit right in, and with the speed Helu brings the Cowboys can improve on the roster spot now taken by Marion Barber for a lot less money than the $45 million paid to a man that falls flat of his face in the open field without being touched.

Given Felix Jones' history of injuries, Helu's speed could ensure that the change of pace from Tashard Choice remains a home run threat to opposing defenses. Helu's speed would also be an asset to the Cowboys special teams, giving the Cowboys yet another speedy option as a returner on kick-offs and punts.

Helu's resume is impressive to say the least.   

In 2010 Helu completed his career at Nebraska in the top five running backs in Cornhusker history. Helu rushed for 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns on 220 carries, including a 28 carry performance for 307 yards versus Missouri. He also added 19 receptions for 149 yards.

In 2009 Helu rushed for 1,147 yards and 10 touchdowns, and 25 receptions for 266 yards as well to compliment his running. He also turned in four 100 yard rushing performances, despite being slowed with a nagging shoulder injury for part of the season.

In 2008 Helu rushed for 803 yards on 125 carries, with 5 receptions for 45  yards.

So while the Cowboys look to the 2011 draft to solidify their offensive line and defensive secondary issues—and rightly so—they cannot afford to ignore the issues at running back that have plagued their offense for the past three seasons.

Marion Barber can no longer be allowed to waste offensive downs for the Cowboys offense, and should be released or traded- whatever it takes to get him off the Cowboys sidelines.

The Cowboys must make a decision to either pay Tashard Choice and play him,  or trade him.  With only one year left in his rookie contract, and with him making right at $400,000 per year the thought that he would stay in Dallas out of loyalty is naive, at best.

Choice brings the total package at running back, and should become the clear starter for the Cowboys in 2011. But if the Cowboys choose not to pay him like a starting back, Choice too could be come a memory in Dallas.

With Felix Jones signed through 2012 but questions surrounding how the Cowboys will approach the release of Marion Barber and the extension of Tashard Choice's contract, Roy Helu could well be the insurance that the Cowboys need to ensure that the running game is solid in 2011.

Given the choice between taking someone like Mark Ingram at the number nine spot in the draft, or taking Roy Helu in a late round or even as an undrafted free agent, this would seem to be the far better solution.

Helu has the size and speed to become an impact player as a rookie, and speed makes up for a multitude of inexperience. With the potential Helu brings to the table, and an expected fall to the late rounds of the 2011 draft, Helu is one of those picks that has to be called a "no-brainer".

That's the bottom line.