Cowboys stock watch: Who’s rising, falling as season creeps closer?
Rainer Sabin
The 2015 season is around the corner, and many are buying the Cowboys as a Super Bowl contender. Their stock is high. But what about their players and specific areas of their team? Let’s examine.
Stock Rising
Joseph Randle; RB; During the offseason, it seemed clear that Joseph Randle was the leading candidate to replace DeMarco Murray as the Cowboys’ starting running back. He finished second on the team in rushing yards in 2014 and his 6.73 yards per carry average stirred the imagination about what he could accomplish if he were given more opportunities. Flash forward to Friday, and it’s clear Randle is the frontrunner in this competition. Darren McFadden is on the physically unable to perform list, and the only other experienced running back in training camp is Lance Dunbar. Randle is sitting pretty, and the first preseason game is 13 days away.
Dez Bryant; WR; Not too long ago, it seemed that the Cowboys’ top playmaker wouldn’t be here. But at the 11th hour, nearing the deadline imposed under the franchise tag attached to him, Bryant got the long-term contract he was seeking. Now, he is in training camp and doing what he loves – playing football and working on his craft. Bryant’s presence and enthusiasm boosts the Cowboys and will increase the intensity in practices. That can only benefit his teammates. But Bryant will also stand to gain something simply by being back on the field.
Stock Falling
Darren McFadden, RB; McFadden’s first preseason with the Cowboys is off to a bad start after he was placed on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The setback is the latest in McFadden’s disappointing career that has been interrupted because his body routinely has betrayed him. McFadden was seeking a fresh start with the Cowboys after he was unable to meet lofty expectations during his tenure with Oakland. But the same problems that afflicted him with the Raiders continue to dog him with the Cowboys. He needs a change of fortune in the worst way.
Linebacker depth: At one point this offseason, the Cowboys seemed to have a surplus of linebackers. They added more players at that position than any other on defense during the offseason. But things can change in an instance. They waived injured veteran Cameron Lawrence. Keith Rivers retired. Rolando McClain was placed on the physically unable to perform list. And rookie Mark Nzeocha continues to recover from surgery that repaired a torn anterior cruciate ligament. The Cowboys are pretty thin in coach Matt Eberflus’ unit, and executive vice president Stephen Jones said they are looking to add reinforcements.