Cowboys trying out RB Deuce Vaughn at slot receiver
At 5-foot-6, Deuce Vaughn stands out, so to speak, when he lines up at running back for the Dallas Cowboys.
He could be all the more conspicuous lining up at receiver.
That could be in the game plan for the Cowboys, though, as Vaughn has been getting reps in the slot during voluntary organized team activities.
“It was one of those things that we had kind of talked about at the end of the season last year,” Vaughn said this week, per the team website. “Talking with [offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] just a little bit about getting with the slot. … Just learning a little bit more about it.”
Vaughn has continued to get reps at running back and as the team’s backup returner behind former All-Pro KaVontae Turpin, but he could add some more value to his resume and versatility to the Dallas offense in the slot.
“It’s one of the things I did in college and love to do,” said Vaughn, a Kansas State product who was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. “Just adds another value.”
Vaughn was used in a limited basis as a rookie, earning just 30 touches for 80 scrimmage yards.
He should see an increase in snaps no matter where he’s used in 2024.
Currently, he’s likely third on the Cowboys RB depth chart behind Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle, with Royce Freeman and Malik Davis also in the room, among others.
At receiver, with CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks leading the way, Dallas is also looking from bigger contributions from Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks, while the explosive Turpin could also see more opportunities. Putting Vaughn in the slot is a new wrinkle that could offer opportunities for some big gains in space for the 22-year-old.
For now, it’s an experiment in the spring. We’ll see if it becomes a reality in the fall.
