IRVING, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have taken Oklahoma State running back Joseph Randle in the fifth round of the NFL draft, addressing the need for a backup to DeMarco Murray.
Randle, who had consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before skipping his senior year to turn pro, was taken 151st overall Saturday.
The Cowboys needed a backup for the injury-prone Murray after not re-signing Felix Jones, their top pick in 2008.
The 6-foot, 202-pound Randle rushed for 3,085 career yards and 40 touchdowns, including 24 scores in 2011 when he finished second to Barry Sanders in single-season points in school history with 156.
Murray emerged as the starter when he was a rookie but has missed nine games in two seasons with ankle and foot injuries.
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