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Dallas Cowboys: Running back Nyheim Hines is a perfect fit

By Randy Gurzi

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Nyheim Hines #7 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack runs with the ball during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - NOVEMBER 11: Nyheim Hines #7 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack runs with the ball during the first half against the Boston College Eagles at Alumni Stadium on November 11, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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The Dallas Cowboys have their feature running back in Ezekiel Elliott, but Nyheim Hines out of North Carolina State would be a perfect complement

The Dallas Cowboys would be wise to invest a pick in the 2018 NFL Draft on a running back. However, they don’t need to find themselves a workhorse as they already have that in 2016 NFL rushing leader Ezekiel Elliott.

Elliott has put up 2,614 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground in just two seasons despite bing suspended for six games last year. Now with his legal battles against the NFL behind him, Elliott is ready to attempt to reclaim his role as the top rusher in the league.

They likely feel good with his new top backup, Rod Smith. After a few years of waiting in the wings, Smith had a strong finish to 2017. He ended up with 232 yards on the ground and 202 through the air ‚— with five total touchdowns. His ascension apparently has them comfortable with moving on from veteran reserve Alfred Morris.

So why should Dallas feel the need for a good backup? Simply because they lack that home run hitter who can take advantage of worn out defenses.

The recipe Dallas had in the past with another former league-leading rusher in DeMarco Murray involved them pounding the ball with the big back, and then sprinkling in both Joseph Randle and Lance Dunbar.

Since Elliott has arrived in Big D, they haven’t had that guy who can come in and be the shifty player taking it to the house on a defense that’s been punished all game. In the 2018 NFL Draft, they could find that and the perfect fit is Nyheim Hines out of North Carolina State.

Hines surely won’t be an every down back in the NFL as he’s listed at just 5-8 and 198 pounds, but he can be an effective weapon thanks to his speed and elusiveness. Hines posted an impressive 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and made his share of plays for the Wolf Pack.

According to Jon Machota of Dallas News, there has been interest shown by both parties as head coach Jason Garrett and running backs coach Gary Brown had a meeting last month with Hines.

Hines wasn’t a featured running back until his final season with North Carolina State when he rushed for 1,113 yards on 197 carries. He was still a huge part of the offense as he had 43 receptions the year prior with just 13 carries. For his career, Hines caught 89 passes for 933 yards.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-round projection

That kind of production as a receiver out of the backfield would be a huge plus to a Dallas offense that lacked explosion at times in 2017.

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