The Dallas Cowboys were in the mix for the Adrian Peterson trade this offseason and with the deal looking unlikely, the team will likely target names like Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley, Tevin Coleman and Ameer Abdullah in the draft this week and this comes as Dez Bryant may pull a contract holdout this summer.
The Cowboys are heading into the draft with running back a likely target after DeMarco Murray left Dallas to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley, Tevin Coleman and Ameer Abdullah are some of the top names in the draft this year and the Cowboys could target those players. Gurley could be off the board by the time they pick in the first round, but Todd Archer at ESPN.com writes that Jones and the Cowboys have been looking at the entire class of running backs and there are "deep" options at the position.
Duke Johnson and Jeremy Langford are also names to watch, as they could slip into the middle rounds. The Cowboys reportedly were a target for Adrian Peterson if he is traded, but Pro Football Talk reports that the Minnesota Vikings are likely keeping the running back. Peterson likely would cost at least a first round pick in a trade and that compensation is too much for the Cowboys. The Vikings not look like they will keep Peterson unless they are "blown away" by a deal.
Jerry Jones has been very smart and responsible in the draft over the past few years, building the offensive line and not picking Johnny Manziel. The offensive line is now one of the best in the NFL and that is part of the reason why the team felt comfortable letting Murray walk. The Cowboys added Darren McFadden in free agency and Todd Archer at ESPN Dallas reports that the team likely will target the running back position with Murray gone.
The Cowboys have been mentioned as a destination for Peterson, but adding him would give Dallas a tight salary cap situation. The team reworked the contract for Tony Romo to free up over $10 million in cap space and that could allow the team to make the move. Peterson is set to make $12.75 million this season and he is a $15 million cap hit, making him tough to trade. Peterson is 30 years old and while he has been great during his career, he is heading into the back part of it and that is why the Cowboys will likely stay away.
The Cowboys had one of the best offensive lines in the league last season and that is one reason why they felt comfortable letting Murray go to sign with the Eagles. Jones also has to deal with Dez Bryant, as he has been hit with the franchise tag and has not yet signed his tender. Bryant could look at holding out this summer if the sides can't work on a deal and ESPN reports that there is a good chance Bryant will end up on the one year deal over signing a long term contract this offseason.
