Cowboys trade for fullback Jamize Olawale

Fullback became an area of concern this offseason for the Dallas Cowboys when Keith Smith joined the Oakland Raiders via free agency. In a bit of irony, the Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick to the Raiders for Jamize Olawale, the player in which Smith is replacing in Oakland. The deal also includes the Raiders shipping a six-round pick to Dallas in addition to Olawale.

Olawale is a six-year veteran who played his college ball at North Texas and was part of the Cowboys’ practice squad back in 2012. At 6-1, 250 pounds, the San Francisco, California native will be a sizeable bulldozing presence for Ezekiel Elliott in the run game. Olawale can also be used in the passing game on screens and play action, as evident by his 12 catches for 227 yards and a touchdown back in 2016.

The Cowboys finished 2017 as the No. 2 rushing offense behind Jacksonville, despite the fact that Ezekiel Elliott played in just ten games due to a suspension. A healthy offensive line, a full season of Elliott, and the addition of a serviceable fullback like Olawale should ensure a return to the No.1 spot for the Dallas run game.