2011 NFL Draft: Why the Dallas Cowboys Should Draft a Running Back

Okay, so here’s the thing. Rumor has it the ‘Boys are going to get rid of former Minnesota running back Marion Barber.

Barber was the team’s Barbarian, if you will, but his role has steadily diminished with the emergence of Felix Jones and Tashard Choice.

Last season, your local Dallas Cowboys averaged 111 yards rushing per game with Jones and Choice leading the way. Barber had his moments last season, but it seemed obvious that his best rushing days were behind him.

If the ‘Boys plan to have a more balanced attack next season, which may be wishful thinking, then having a three-running-back attack isn’t such a bad idea.

So before I go any further into explaining why I think the ‘Boys need to draft a running back, here are five reasons why the ‘Boys need to draft a running back and five players who could fill that role.

Offensive Line

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DALLAS - SEPTEMBER 15: The Dallas Cowboys offensive line during play against the Philadelphia Eagles at Texas Stadium on September 15, 2008 in Irving, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

So last season when Jon Kitna took over for an injured Tony Romo, the ‘Boys went to a more balanced attack. Jones was able to get going and so was Tashard Choice.

While the Cowboys offensive line still needs a serious upgrade, it does help when you are able to run the ball effectively, because your team has three running backs of starting quality.

If Jerry decides not to seriously upgrade the line, then running the ball may be the team’s only option.

Defense

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 14: Bradie James #56 and DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys combine to stop a run by Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants on November 14, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Cowb

Plain and simple: If Dallas is able to wear down the defense of the opposing team, it will only aid the Cowboys on the defensive side of the ball.

More rest for a defense means a more powerful squad headed into the fourth quarter.

I understand that it takes way more than a good running game to help the defense but hey, it’s a start.

More Efficient Tony Romo

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tony Romo #9 of the Dallas Cowboys celebrates a touchdown by Jason Witten against the New York Giants in the first quarter at Cowboys Stadium on October 25, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Gett

Way back in the day when Barber was the team’s closer, his legs were so fresh that he was able to wear down the defense.

Not saying that Romo isn’t capable of winning a game for the ‘Boys, but would you rather have a strong closing runner or Romo tossing balls to close the game?

Just a thought, but a more balanced attack means that Romo isn’t tossing the ball 40 times a game.

Felix Jones Durability

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Runningback Felix Jones #28 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes the football during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated th

Well, I guess this is the most obvious one. I think most Cowboys fans are used to a three-headed monster of an attack by now, so why mess with what works, eh?

Lets not forget there are still questions as to whether Felix Jones can handle the load for a full season due to his durability issues. If he can't then Dallas will need a 3rd guy in the backfield.

Straight up, the Cowboys could turn into the best running team in the league, and adding another runner to replace Barber would only make the team better.

More Balanced Attack

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Runningback Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys rushes the football past Gabe Watson #98 of the Arizona Cardinals during the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Car

Another obvious one, but this all depends on Jason Garrett. Garrett likes to pass the ball, but obviously the team does better when they have a more balanced attack.

Jones, Choice and Ingram? Either way, I think a more balanced offensive attack is good for the Cowboys.

Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

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PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 07: Running back Mark Ingram #22 of the Alabama Crimson Tide runs with the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the Citi BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl on January 7, 2010 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Jeff

This one probably won’t happen, but doesn’t he remind you of another No. 22? His vision is great and he has enough power to run you the heck over, doesn’t he?

I would love to see Ingram in Cowboy blue, but only if we got an offensive lineman and a cornerback first.

Roy Helu, RB, Nebraska

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LINCOLN, NE - NOVEMBER 26: Roy Helu Jr. #10 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers dives for the endzone through the Colorado Buffaloes during their game at Memorial Stadium on November 26, 2010 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Nebraska defeated Colorado 45-17 (Photo by Eric F

This one is more reasonable since Helu is projected to go in the seventh round or un-drafted.

I think he has a ton of potential, but the only way Garrett will trust him in third-down situations is if his blocking improves.

Jamie Harper, RB, Clemson

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AUBURN, AL - SEPTEMBER 18: Andre Ellington #23 and Jamie Harper #8 of the Clemson Tigers against the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium on September 18, 2010 in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Harper has prototypical NFL running back size and enough speed to break away from the defender.

He can be a change-of-pace type of guy and has pretty decent pass-catching skills out of the backfield.

Da’Rel Scott, RB, Maryland

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CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 29: Da'Rel Scott #23 of the Maryland Terrapins carries the ball in the first half against the Boston College Eagles on November 29, 2008 at Alumni Stadium in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

He ran a 4.39 at the combine, but his speed is actually pretty deceptive off the line of scrimmage.

He can make you miss and has enough power to run you over, and the Cowboys can get him for cheap, word the Clipse.

Josh Nesbitt, RB, Georgia Tech

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BLACKSBURG, VA - NOVEMBER 04: Quarterback Joshua Nesbitt #9 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets runs with the ball as linebacker Davon Morgan #2 of the Virginia Tech Hokies defends at Lane Stadium on November 4, 2010 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Geo

Nesbitt will be a running back in the NFL and he has the size to do so.

He has great size, weighing in at 212 pounds, and runs a 4.59.

He’ll be a project but Jerry can get him on the low, for cheap, and develop him quietly as a power runner for the ‘Boys.