Dallas Cowboys: Draft running back Jay Ajayi?

With all of the defensive needs the Dallas Cowboys have this year, it is easy to forget that they also have a couple of areas they are somewhat thin at in terms of depth and talent on offense. Sure, they are coming off of a year that saw them dominate in the run game. And Tony Romo threw for 34 touchdowns while almost leading his team to the NFC Championship Game. But they lost key contributor DeMarco Murray in free agency, and it’s anyone’s guess what they will get out of his replacement, Darren McFadden.

Oct 12, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) carries the ball against the San Diego Chargers at O.co Coliseum. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

While the Cowboys have some needs at corner or the defensive line they might want to address with their 1st round pick, they need to seriously consider taking a running back early in the draft. A guy that would fit the bill perfectly in terms of a do-it-all type of player is Boise State running back Jay Ajayi.

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Ajayi is a player that is equally adept at catching the ball out of the backfield as he is at rushing it. While he racked up over 1,800 yards this past season for Boise State on the ground he also caught 50 balls for over 500 yards. This duel threat talent totaled 32 touchdowns as well, and was obviously the focal point in the Broncos offense. The best part about Ajayi is that he wasn’t a one year wonder either. His over 1,700 yards rushing and receiving and almost 20 touchdowns the year before are evidence of that.

Ajayi might not have played his college ball in Texas, but he did play his high school ball there (Plano, TX) and has made it no secret how big of a Cowboys fan he was growing up. As he started in a recent interview with KRLD-FM (and recapped by The Dallas Morning News), he even has some current members of this Dallas’ team that are mentors for him. It would be a dream come true for him to play in a Cowboys jersey, and while he would only be a rookie in 2016, a hometown love of your team could help in contract negotiations down the line if he becomes a superstar.

Dec 21, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Joseph Randle (21) runs with the ball against the Indianapolis Colts at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

While the Cowboys will have a few veteran options on their team at the running back position, they honestly have to admit that there isn’t a “go to” type player in the backfield. McFadden might pay off, but he also has a pretty big injury history. And if Lance Dunbar or Joseph Randle were going to be Pro Bowlers it would have already been evident. Ajayi brings toughness in terms of the ability to finish runs, as well as decent lateral quickness and downfield vision.

Ajayi does have some off the field issues that might scare some NFL teams away, most notably his 2011 arrest for stealing. But the Cowboys shouldn’t let that be a deciding factor if he becomes available in the second round. While other running backs like Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah or Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon are garnering all of the 1st round media hype, Ajayi might be equally as good long-term due to his versatility.

When Dallas picks 60th overall in the second round, don’t be surprised if they take Ajayi if he is still on the board.

Next: Dallas Cowboys: 5 Best Offseason Moves

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