Deuce Vaughn (Cowboys) NFL Draft Preview
Post-Draft Fantasy Impact
Deuce Vaughn was the biggest feel-good story of the draft, being taken by the team his father works for. It was a touching scene that was shown to everyone. Vaughn’s dad got to call his son to inform him he was being drafted by the Cowboys in the sixth round as the 212th pick in the draft. He was the 14th Running Back chosen.
Already Vaughn is producing some hype, with even greats like LaDainlian Tomlinson saying he will be a “matchup nightmare” for opponents. And for now he really only has to compete with Ronald Jones and Malik Davis for the backup role. Obviously, Tony Pollard will get the starting role (he’s earned it), but I believe Vaughn has a decent chance to jump Jones and Davis for playing time.
Now remember Vaughn is one of the shortest backs in the NFL, so it’ll be interesting to see how the Cowboys utilize him. He will be tough to see behind big offensive lineman, so we could see a lot of reverses and screens designed just for him.
For fantasy, we will have to just wait and see how the summer progresses. I wouldn’t rush to draft him just yet, since he may need to do some work to move up the depth chart.
Still, I believe the Cowboys drafted him for a reason, so we may see him sooner rather than later. He is one to monitor this summer and into preseason as a potential solid handcuff to Pollard. Be aware that Zeke Elliott is still technically a free agent that has been welcomed back to Dallas if he were to choose to do so. If he returns, we may have to wait a few years to really see Vaughn in action.
Deuce Vaughn NFL Draft Preview
Just looking at Deuce Vaughn’s college output makes him an intriguing NFL prospect, but as we all know college production doesn’t always equal NFL stardom.
Vaughn played three seasons for Kansas State, grabbing the starting role during his freshman year. He finished that season with 123 carries for 642 yards and seven touchdowns. He also caught 25 passes for 434 yards and two touchdowns.
In his sophomore year, he garnered even more work, rushing 235 times for 1404 yards and 18 touchdowns. He caught 49 passes for 468 yards and four touchdowns. In his last year at K State, Vaughn rushed 293 times for 1558 yards and nine touchdowns. He caught 42 passes for 378 yards and three touchdowns.
Vaughn was a Second-Team All-Big 12 player all three seasons. He was a Consensus All-American in 2021 and followed that up with a Unanimous All-American award in 2022.
Vaughn is currently considered a fifth-round pick or later, mostly due to his size.
Holy hell Deuce Vaughn
🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/SAF5M1bHMr
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 6, 2023
Measurables
- 5’5″ 179 lbs
- 40-yard dash – 4.43 seconds
- Vertical jump – 35.5″
- Broad Jump – 9’8″
- Bench Press – 17 Reps
Deuce Vaughn makes cuts sometimes that break my brain pic.twitter.com/37fiQcsHm5
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) February 25, 2023
POSITIVES
Vaughn’s size is going to be one of his biggest flaws, but along with it does come some positives that he might be able to utilize at the NFL level.
Due to his height, Vaughn runs low to the ground, making him hard to take down thanks to his overall balance.
Vaughn is speedy, making him a threat to bounce a run outside for a big gain. He also has a good initial burst that should allow him to hit holes with speed. His size again is an advantage when it comes to opposing linebackers being able to see him behind the line. By the time they can see him, he may already be at the second level.
Vaughn can handle a big workload and didn’t miss much time, showing he is a very durable back.
His biggest positive probably comes in the passing game. Vaughn not only had a ton of experience in college, but he also excelled as a pass-catcher. He’s a good route runner with good speed and great hands. He may just settle into a passing-down role in the NFL.
NEGATIVES
He’s very small. Vaughn’s measurables are well below what most NFL scouts want, meaning he probably won’t be a very high draft capital. He won’t do much for pass-blocking, and he really can only cut block if he wants to stop blitzing defenders.
Vaughn struggles to get back up to speed after switching directions or stopping. He also doesn’t hit the line with enough speed at times.
GRADE – C
Of all the Running Backs I’ve profiled so far, Vaughn seems to be the one with the best chance at landing a passing-down type of role in the NFL.
His size is a big red flag for most NFL teams, but scouts have agreed he has enough talent to make a career in the NFL. He may not see a ton of work as the main rusher, but he for sure can be a mismatch in the passing game.
Vaughn most likely will be utilized as a gadget player, but he does have some intrigue in PPR leagues, although it may take some time to really see him be relevant for fantasy.
Happily married father of two boys. I love all sports, although prefer watching them since I’m a wildly mediocre athlete. And that’s why I write fantasy football articles! I’ve been writing for Fantasyfootballcalculator for over six years now. Besides that, I enjoy watching Badger football and basketball even though it raises my blood pressure. In my downtime, I enjoy traveling with my family, playing video games with friends, and golfing.
