Deuce Vaughn

A sixth-round pick out of Kansas State last year, Vaughn was a preseason darling for the Cowboys but then failed to make any kind of impression in the regular season. Darren Sproles remains the best-case scenario for a player with Vaughn's diminutive stature (5-6, 176), though it's not a great comparison given that Sproles was heavier (185-190 pounds), stronger and probably also faster. While probably little more than a gadget option or pass-catching specialist, Vaughn should at least have the chance to compete for playing time in a weak Dallas backfield led by Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle.

Vaughn is almost completely unprecedented as a 5-foot-5 running back, and his most applicable comparison in terms of frame and athleticism (the Patriots' J.J. Taylor) doesn't quite work because the two have different skill sets. More specifically, Vaughn is a much better receiver than Taylor. Vaughn will be a case study on whether a player with a 5-5, 179-pound frame can amount to more than Taylor on the basis of superior pass catching, but it's a narrow path with limited fantasy upside either way. Even the mighty Darren Sproles had to concede rushing workload limitations in the NFL, making his impact primarily through high-volume receiving and special teams. Vaughn doesn't have the returner route, so the 2023 sixth-round pick out of Kansas State needs to make it as a pass-catching back if he's to get snaps.