The Dallas Cowboys are in search of a new running back, and they might have their eyes on a young, skilled running back from Eugene, Oregon. Dallas revealed a list of visits they will be hosting in the first week of April, and one noteworthy name on the list is Bucky Irving.
Irving is one of three running backs confirmed to be visiting the Cowboys this week, along with Florida State player Trey Benson, Texas standout Jonathon Brooks and Wisconsin prospect Braelon Allen. Benson and Brooks have been connected to Dallas throughout the entire offseason, but Irving is also a contender to consider.
“Another option for day two at running back,” wrote a writer for DallasCowboys.com on the 2nd of April. “Irving may not impress with his size or speed, but his capability to lower his shoulder and resist contact has allowed him to be an effective runner for the Ducks.” Nick Harris If Dallas chooses to pick a running back in the draft, Irving could offer good value for a third-round pick. Projections have varied, placing Irving as a high second-round pick to a mid-fourth-round selection.
If As Harris suggests, Irving doesn’t have an extraordinary athletic profile. However, his statistics and recorded footage are certainly promising. Bucky Irving Stands Out in Eugene
After beginning his college career at Minnesota and having a strong first year, Irving decided to explore other opportunities and Oregon came calling. In the two seasons since, Irving has been the primary back for the team.
According to
Sports Reference
, Irving surpassed the 1000-rushing yard mark both in 2022 (1058) and 2023 (1180.) While he was unquestionably effective in 2022, his performance in Eugene significantly improved in his second season. Irving scored 13 total touchdowns and added 413 receiving yards to his impressive stats. He averaged 6.3 yards per rush and 7.4 yards per reception.Lance Zierlein
provided a more detailed look at Irving in his draft profile, explaining why Irving isn’t considered an exceptional prospect. It has nothing to do with his on-field performance, but rather a lackluster showing at the combine.
NFL.com’s “Compact and determined, Irving is deeply dedicated to each run he's trusted with. He exceeds expectations given his size with excellent ability to resist contact and drive through tackles to maximize the run,” Zierlein wrote. “However, Irving displayed a worrying lack of explosiveness at the NFL Scouting Combine. He often seems hurried and prefers to run through obstacles rather than around them, but he does have the agility to evade tacklers with wide, sideways cuts when he displays more patience.” If the Cowboys choose to approach the running back position in the draft, they need to make the most of their selections. Dallas only has seven draft picks this year, with the majority of them falling in the last three rounds.
1st Round, 24th Overall
2nd Round, 56th Overall
3rd Round, 87th Overall the Cowboys 5th Round, 173rd Overall
- 6th Round, 216th Overall
- 7th Round, 233rd Overall
- 7th Round, 244th Overall
- The 173rd and 216th overall picks are compensatory picks for free agency turnover during the 2023 offseason. It’s fair to say that the Cowboys are fortunate to have those selections, because otherwise they’d be entering the draft with
- even less ability to purchase things.
- The Dallas Cowboys are seeking their next running back and they may select a young, skilled running back from Eugene, Oregon.
- 7th Round, 244th Overall
The 173rd and 216th overall picks are compensatory picks for free agency turnover during the 2023 offseason. It’s safe to say that the Cowboys are fortunate to have those selections, because otherwise they’d be entering the draft with even less buying power.