Snoop Conner could be the dark horse candidate in the Cowboys RB room

Looking through the list of running backs in Dallas, it usually takes a while for Snoop Conner’s name to come up in the discussion. Rico Dowdle gets the pole position, Ezekiel Elliott gets the headlines, Hunter Luekpe gets his chest thumped and Deuce Vaughn gets the fan club. Conner is simply ignored.

The 5-foot-10, 222-pound running back from Mississippi is a forgotten name in Cowboys Nation. Even practice squad RB Malik Davis gets more attention than Conner. The former fifth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars is only 24 years old. He’s a versatile player who logged relatively few miles in college and the NFL. Yet he is absent from most discussions about RB.

Conner looks back and his film shows he’s not afraid of contact. It adds extra pop as a single cut runner and is well suited for both inside and outside zone running programs. He doesn’t have skins on the wall and doesn’t run as patiently as he should at times, but he has a relentless motor and isn’t afraid to put his body to the test in protective situations against passes.

Conner is built as a workhorse RB but will likely compete for a roster spot as a specialist. Luepke will be his primary opponent there and he has proven valuable in various roles on offense and special teams.

Meanwhile, Zeke and Rico have been on the wrong side of zero for the past two seasons. pic.twitter.com/X1NYcHfDm8

– Reid D Hanson (@ReidDHanson) May 6, 2024

In limited action, Conner proved to be a valuable addition as a runner. His rushing yards above expectation (RYOE) shows that he is not just taking what is given to him, but rather adding something extra to his carries. This is an area where Dowdle and Elliott declined last season and something that could earn Conner a role beyond just short end.

Special teams and pass protection will be key for Conner as he fights for a spot on the team in 2023. Elliott is no longer the pass protector he once was, and Vaughn brings with him obvious and unavoidable concerns given his small stature.

Conner isn’t flashy, but he’s steady and plays with a level of grit that could prove an inspiration to the team. He’s also the highest-drafted RB on the Cowboys’ under-28 roster, so he brings a modest pedigree with him to the upcoming competition.

Want a dark horse RB candidate to watch this summer?

Conner should be fun to watch.