INDIANAPOLIS – Draft prospect workouts have gotten underway this week here at the NFL Scouting Combine, and while it's still early in the draft process for the Cowboys organization, I've got a few thoughts on the running backs and offensive linemen who took center stage Thursday:
- Thank you, Leonard Fournette, for giving me the excuse of water weight as why I weigh so much. Fournette, the running back out of LSU, weighed in at 240 pounds but was quick to point out he was now back to his playing weight of 235. With the way these kids wear baggy sweats it was difficult for this old scout to get an accurate read on him.
- My new pet cat is James Conner, the running back out of Pittsburgh. After you hear his story, feel free to jump right up on that bandwagon with me. Connor missed the 2015 season with a MCL injury but during his rehab doctors found a form of cancer known as Hodgkin lymphoma. Connor not only was able to get his knee in shape for the 2016 season but he was able to beat the cancer as well. At 233 pounds, his tape looks like that of a back that could be a three-down player.
- Running back Dalvin Cook (Florida State) came into the Combine with questions about the condition of his shoulders. Cook told the media that he received a clean bill of health from doctors in Indianapolis and he was ready to go to work. Cook was impressive benching 225 pounds 22 times, which was one or two off from what some of the offensive linemen had done earlier in the day.
- Wasn't surprising that seemingly every running back who took the podium today (Fournette, Cook and McCaffrey) all sung the praises of Ezekiel Elliott and Todd Gurley for paving the way for their class and future classes of running backs.
- l wrote Monday that I was interested in seeing offensive tackle Garett Bolles (Utah) work out on the bench press here at the Combine. Bolles stood before the coaches and scouts gathered and said that he in fact would not be lifting due to a slight pectoral strain and he would lift during his Pro Day. You know how hard it is to get to Salt Lake City?
- Want a Day 3 guy to keep an eye for the Cowboys? Running back Donnel Pumphrey (San Diego State) told the media that he met with the club Wednesday night. Pumphrey is the NCAA's all-time leading rusher and while at the Senior Bowl looked very comfortable returning punts when put in the drills. Team could be looking at him as a replacement for Lance Dunbar.
