Dallas Cowboys: 5 late-round RBs to keep an eye on

January 17, 2015; Carson, CA, USA; National running back Malcolm Agnew of Southern Illinois runs the ball against American during the first half of the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl at StubHub Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Agnew
Southern Illinois
Height: 5-9
Weight: 205 pounds
Grade: Senior

The problem with Agnew is he might not be ready to be an every down back in the NFL, but if he is drafted by the Cowboys, he wouldn’t have to be because they do have McFadden as the primary back who would be safe to use on first and second down.

With Agnew, the positives of his game are he is a “power type of runner.”

Bo Marchionte of CBS Sports.com wrote about Agnew being a “north-south” runner:

"“Displays a great burst through the hole and doesn’t waste any motion sifting through traffic (always moving north). Adequate receiver out of the backfield. Good pad level most times and good body lean as a north-south runner. For a shifty, elusive back, he is not afraid to lower his head and plow forward.”"

In the above video, there is a play that starts at 1:28 which shows how Agnew can pound his way through a defensive line and break tackles. He turned a 5-to-10 yard run into a 20-yard gain with his extra effort, which says a lot for a player who could be a third down back for the Cowboys.

Also with Agnew, while at Oregon State in 2011-12, he rushed for 423 yards on 89 carries in ’11 for 4.8 yards per carry, and the following season with 63 carries, he had 269 yards (4.3 ypc).

Agnew left Oregon State as a transfer student to play at Southern Illinois.

Lindsay Schnell of OregonLive.com reported about the transfer in 2013:

"“Agnew’s decision to leave was mostly related to playing time, but that he emphasized to Agnew that he was very capable of earning more time this season. I love him as a person and a player, and I hate losing him. But I understand where he’s coming from.”"

It seems from what I’ve read, Agnew is a player of good character, and he can play football. The problem with his body of work is that it did come at a lower level of collegiate football, but a lot has to be said that he was able to play at Oregon State his first two seasons of his career.

Injuries are said to also be an issue when at Oregon State, but if he can just find his niche with an NFL team, there is no reason why he wouldn’t be able to contribute to a running back roster, especially one looking for an identity like the Cowboys. Maybe he’ll be a selection the Cowboys make in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Next: How about a RB from the SEC?