Dallas Cowboys: Final 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft

Round 5, Pick 165: Alexander Mattison, RB, Boise State

One college that the Cowboys have always kept a close eye on is Boise State. Their current offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, was a star quarterback for them and they have some key players from there as well which includes Tank Lawrence, Leighton Vander Esch and Tyrone Crawford.

With their fifth-round pick in this draft, Dallas goes back to the pipeline and picks up Alexander Mattison as the back up to running back Ezekiel Elliott. Mattison started the past two seasons for the Broncos and had 1,086 yards as a sophomore and another 1,415 in his final year. In those two seasons, he crossed the end zone a total of 30 times.

Mattison isn’t a burner but he does run with decisiveness and great vision. He won’t be taking a lot of snaps from the defending rushing champion but he could help ease Zeke’s load some. During this past season, Elliott had 304 carries and 77 receptions — the most total touches he’s had as a pro since being drafted at No. 4 overall back in 2016 out of Ohio State. The hits started to take their toll as he was seen visibly limping during games.

Elliott is the centerpiece of this offense and never let the hits affect his play. Still, it would be wise to get him some relief so he can be at his absolute best when the team needs him most.