Dallas’ pick of Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray in the third round took a lot of people by surprise.
It was earlier than some draftniks thought he should go. More importantly, Dallas appeared to have bigger needs. Now that Murray is in the fold, however, it’s clear the Cowboys think very highly of him.
So does Jacques-Jean Taylor of the Dallas Morning News, who thinks Murray could wind up starting for Dallas. Right away.
“DeMarco Murray will challenge Felix Jones for the starting running back position, and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t expect to win the job. Jones has been a disappointment, and the Cowboys have provided a catalyst for him to play his best football,” Taylor writes.
Marion Barber should get the boot once the lockout ends. We’ve always wanted to see what Tashard Choice could do in a bigger role, but that probably won’t happen now unless Jones or Murray get hurt. (A decent bet.)
Coach Jason Garrett has said this offseason that Jones proved he could handle a bigger role at the end of last season and he put up good numbers.
We still expect Felix Jones to be the team’s starter, but it sounds like he may not have a long leash on the job. It sounds like a new running back has caught Jerry Jones’ eye.