Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is adamant that running back Darren McFadden has the skills to succeed in the NFL despite his underwhelming career to date.

McFadden was selected fourth overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2008 Draft, but has mustered just one season over 1,000 rushing yards in his seven years in the league.

The Cowboys have signed McFadden to replace DeMarco Murray in their backfield, and Jones is optimistic that the 27-year-old can thrive with the NFC East side.

"You've got a good chance to not live up to expectations. Because when you are drafted that high, people think that you are going to be the next Jimmy Brown," he told reporters.

"So, yes he would have liked to have had a more productive career. But the kinds of skills that got him drafted with the fourth pick in the draft, he still has."

McFadden has recorded 4,427 rushing yards and 25 touchdowns in his seven-year career.