Now that the 2011 NFL Draft is over, the experts are handing out their grades for each team and the Dallas Cowboys draft class has mostly been given positive marks.
Dallas is generally thought to have done a pretty good job taking players that fit their needs. Going into the draft, the Cowboys needed upgrades along the offensive line, safety, defensive end and linebacker.
But what most didn’t see as an area of need was running back, so when the Cowboys took DeMarco Murray in the third round some considered that a questionable choice.
Despite some rumblings from draft experts and Cowboys’ fans, selecting Murray was a good move for many reasons.
Starting running back Marion Barber is entering his seventh season in the NFL and is beginning to show signs of slowing down.
Barber is making more than $6 million per season and with the uncertainty surrounding the league’s labor situation as it relates to the salary cap, he could be released to save the Cowboys money.
Felix Jones is going to be the featured running back in Dallas’ offense this season, with the expectation that he needs between 20-25 touches per game to take full advantage of his skills.
Jones gives Dallas’ offense a unique dimension, but there are questions if he’s capable of gaining the tough yards in short yardage and goal line situations.
That’s where Tashard Choice comes in. Although he seemed to be in coach Jason Garrett’s dog house for much of last season, Choice has proven he’s able to handle the backup role and can step in as a spot starter. Most importantly, Choice can get the tough yards when needed.
For people wondering why the Cowboys took Murray, all you need to know is this: in four seasons at Oklahoma, he had 759 rushing attempts and never fumbled.
Believe me, I triple checked the statistics and that’s not a typo. The kid played four years and never fumbled the football. That’s the kind of player every team in the NFL would love to have on their roster.
In 2010, Murray had 282 carries for 1,214 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 71 passes for 594 yards and five TD’s, and during his career as a Sooner he returned 53 kickoffs for an average of 28 yards.
Now do you understand why Dallas selected Murray in the third round?
The Cowboys didn’t draft Murray to compete with Choice for the third running back spot. They took him because Barber is going to be released and he’ll give the offense another weapon on third downs.
So if you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, don’t be hating on DeMarco Murray. This is a player who can provide an immediate impact and will cause defensive coordinators around the league to have a lot of restless nights.
