The feel-good story of the 2023 NFL draft struggled to see the field much in his rookie season as a running back but was seen trying something new during Cowboys OTAs last week.

Last week, Deuce Vaughn was getting reps at slot receiver for the Dallas Cowboys at 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.”

The #Cowboys have been trying out RB Deuce Vaughn at slot receiver during OTAs.

"It was one of those things we had talked about at the end of the season. It just adds another value," Vaughn said. pic.twitter.com/UkVtC1EOlM

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 2, 2024

Role In 2024?

I am not buying into this that much, but it wouldn’t hurt to try and get him and players like KaVontae Turpin more reps in the offense in 2024.

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.

Vaughn only had 30 touches during his rookie season for 80 scrimmage yards.

Let’s be honest, with how weak the running back room is now for the Cowboys he should see the field at least a touch more.

The Cowboys might have the weakest running back room in all of football.

“It’s day-by-day, someone will come in and say, ‘You’re with the receivers today,’ and today was one of those days,” Vaughn said on Thursday.

“Just for myself, every single day is trying to get 1% better. It makes sense, it’s that value aspect, doing a multitude of things. I’m just bettering my game and finding a way to contribute is the biggest thing for myself.”

Deuce Vaughn took some work at wide receiver. He said after practice Brian Schottenheimer brought up the idea of him getting some work there. Vaughn said he's studied Cole Beasley this offseason. It's viewed more of an "in addition to," than him not being a RB. took RB snaps too.

— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) May 30, 2024

This is the type of stuff teams try in OTAs that typically never work out.

I don’t see Vaughn becoming any type of threat as a slot WR. You have Jalen Tolbert and Jalen Brooks who are true wideouts.

I would be all in for his coming into the game like Turpin and getting creative.

Use his size and speed to create confusion with the defense.

Nothing Will Hurt At This Point

The Cowboys should attempt to get as many playmakers on the field as they can.

Can Vaughn be a game-changing player?

Probably not, but for someone who is the second Kansas State all-time leader rusher with 3,604 it’s not like he can’t play.

This will be the season he has the best chance to step foot on the field with how weak the running back core is for Dallas.

Zeke is back, but expect Rico Dowdle to be the lead back to start the season until he proves he can’t produce then they should just ride the hot hand.

Kavontae Turpin and Deuce Vaughn taking returner reps at Cowboys OTAs. pic.twitter.com/GYGrRyvzgc

— Jess Nevarez (@JessNevarez_) May 22, 2024

Justin Jefferson reached an agreement on a 4-year contract extension worth $140M, including $110M guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history this morning.

Now we will have to wait and see what CeeDee Lamb gets.

I was hoping Jerry Jones would do the smart thing and get a deal done before Jefferson signed.

Jefferson is the best in the game right now, and Lamb is probably going to want something close to his number, maybe even more, who knows?

This team has a lot of things left to take care of before September gets here.

Lamb needs to be first on that list, followed by figuring out what they plan to do with Micah Parsons. He was in and out of OTAs last week. He needs to be a leader either way and just show up.

He has two years left on his rookie deal. No reason for him not to be there.

Dak Prescott can wait and see what happens this season before he gets a deal, he has been around the team.