Rookie Deuce Vaughn shakes up Cowboys' RB2 plans with dazzling preseason debut
Cowboys rookie running back Deuce Vaughn proved he deserves to move up the depth chart with a dazzling preseason debut against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Saturday.
In a 28-23 loss, the sixth-round draft pick (No. 212 overall) out of Kansas State led Dallas in rushing with 50 yards on eight attempts and scored a TD. He also proved that despite his small stature (5-foot-5 and 176 pounds), he can stand his ground in the NFL.
"Just that I belong," Vaughn said of his performance, per Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News. "I feel like that's the biggest thing for myself of coming in and proving people that believe in me right. It doesn't stop now. You go back to work Monday, and you get ready for the next preseason game."
Although it's only one preseason contest, Dallas should give Vaughn a more serious look at RB2. In the loss, RBs Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle didn't show the same playmaking ability. Davis only rushed for three yards on four carries, while Dowdle ran for 21 yards on six attempts.
Furthermore, the NFL recently suspended RB Ronald Jones II – who missed the preseason opener with a groin injury – for two regular-season games after he violated the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
Skepticism about Vaughn's size is warranted, as small backs typically face more durability concerns. But his elusiveness and understanding of the playbook could allow him to thrive.
"He rolled in there and ran conceptually everything that the other guys ran," Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy said, via Gehlken. "I think that speaks volumes about him. I thought he had a heck of a night—great introduction to the NFL."
If Vaughn continues to shine, he will become one of the biggest steals in the draft and form a dynamic backfield duo with Pro Bowler Tony Pollard.
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