Cowboys' Deuce Vaughn may stand to gain under new NFL kickoff format

The Cowboys have had a tough time finding a role for Deuce Vaughn after making him their sixth-round pick in 2023. The 5-foot-6, 176-pound running back from Kansas State has a size problem in the NFL. For as talented and elusive he is as a runner, his size will always be an issue to overcome.

Used sparingly as a rookie, Vaughn posted just 40 yards at 1.7 yards/attempt as a situational running back. His limitations in pass protection put the health and safety of Dak Prescott in jeopardy and his inability to absorb contact made his effectiveness between the tackles limited.

Few questioned Vaughns skillset and what it could do in space – the problem was getting him the ball in space.

Just like in nearly every Cowboys offseason since the Mesozoic era, suggestions of using a backfield player in the slot more became a topic of conversation as of late. Vaughn was of course the player linked to the role this year and despite this idea never truly coming to fruition in the past, it excited a Dallas fanbase thirsty for new wrinkles to their often-uncreative offense.

But maybe the best opportunity for Vaughn to get the ball in space isn’t on offense at all. Maybe it’s in the revamped kick return game where Vaughn can make his biggest impact in 2024.

Much has been said about the NFL’s new kickoff process already but until it’s seen in action for some time, there’s a cloud of mystery surrounding its implementation and maximization. With the bulk of the kicking team and return team lining up within 10 yards from each other, kick returns will take on a fundamentally different image in 2024. Without the traditional wedge return to run through, players like Vaughn could find an environment in which to thrive.

Per the new return rules, teams can position up to two players in the return zone. Assuming KaVontae Turpin is Returner 1, Vaughn could be seen as the favorite to snag the Returner 2 role. Returner 2 would have to be a player willing to run ahead and lead block, competent enough to return the kick himself, and respected enough to be used as a decoy in plays of misdirection.

While Vaughn may be diminutive in stature, he’s versatile and eager to prove, making him a fairly ideal return counterpart to the Pro Bowl return man Turpin.

It’s possible Vaughn will legitimately see more opportunities in the slot this season. It’s not a recommended course of action or even a very likely course of action, but it can never be ruled out. But the return game is somewhere he could really make a splash in 2024.