McFadden's 4.27 Fuels Dallas Rumors
By Brian Miller
The on again off again rumor of the Dallas Cowboys wanting to trade up for Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, may not be on again, but the running backs 4.27 unofficial 40 time is only going to fuel more rumors of the Cowboys trying to move up.
For once, it looks like the Miami Dolphins may actually be able to move out of the number 1 overall pick and do so with more than one option. Last week, it was reported that the Atlanta Falcons wanted Matt Ryan so bad that they are considering moving up to one to get him. Rumors today say that they have turned down a 1st round pick from the NY Giants, thinking that a mid-first rounder is more fitting. DeAngelo Hall has been at the center of that late week rumor and some think that he may yet be a part of a Falcons move to number 1.
The Cowboys however have danced around the issue for the last two months. Jerry Jones, a frequent fan in the stands at last years Arkansas Razorbacks games loves what Darren McFadden would bring to a franchise. When asked earlier last year what his team was missing, Jones simply said “a play maker”. McFadden fits that description. Still, Jerry Jones roamed the halls at the Combine and told reporters that a trade up with the Dolphins at number 1 was unlikely. That of course was before today. Before he was video taped sitting in the stands, and then disappear after the first 40 yard dash of one particular running back.
That’s right, Jones left after DM ran his first 40. Coincidence? Not likely. He probably was planning on leaving anyways and wanted to see the kid run. The fact that Jones was present for the 4.27 speed, the 2nd highest of the day, will be the number that sticks in his head as he heads home and not the official 2nd timed 40 at 4.33.
Jones may not come out and say that he wants to move up, no smart general manager or owner will. With the free agency period only days away the Cowboys are going to have to start thinking about their future and what a guy like McFadden can bring to his offense. The same offense that sputtered against the NY Giants in the playoffs. Sure, the Cowboys need another WR and they need another CB, but McFadden puts them in a different position. Whereas a corner and a WR will have to learn and adjust, the RB spot is the position that most often pays immediate rewards in the NFL.
If Jerry Jones had doubts, he really didn’t need to look much further to see what Adrien Peterson brought to the Vikings last year. Then he must ask himself, would a talent like AP have made a difference last year in the post-season? Then ask him if 4.27 is impressive. After he answers yes to both of those, he may be picking up the phone and making a call. Regardless of what anyone says anymore, the Miami Dolphins, the Atlanta Falcons, and again the Dallas Cowboys, are going to be one hot rumor in the next two months.