The running back position has sparked significant debate in the NFL recently, with teams employing various strategies to find success.
The Baltimore Ravens made a notable investment by acquiring Derrick Henry in the offseason, and he currently leads the league in rushing yards. Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers, while thriving with Christian McCaffrey, have effectively used lesser-known players like Jordan Mason to maintain a strong ground game.
Across the league, late-round picks such as Braelon Allen and Bucky Irving have shown promise early on their respective teams. Regardless of the approach—committee or featured back—most teams have a clear strategy.
Incontrast, the Dallas Cowboys have taken a different route. They made moves by reuniting with Ezekiel Elliott and promoting Rico Dowdle, but they let Tony Pollard leave in free agency, didn’t draft a running back, and have not elevated Dalvin Cook from their practice squad. This has created an image of a team poorly prepared from the outset.
This approach aligns with the Cowboys’ “blow it up” plan, but they will need to significantly retool the running back position when they decide to rebuild. Dallas has not invested a draft pick on a running back in four of the last five drafts, with only Deuce Vaughn in the sixth round in 2023 being the exception.
They selected Pollard in 2019, but now with his departure, that pick has yielded no results. Their handling of Henry’s free agency indicates that Dallas is focusing on finding their ideal back in the draft. While this mindset is sensible, they must act on it.
Many fans and analysts are already linking them to Boise State star Ashton Jeanty for their first-round pick. Jeanty would be an excellent choice and a solid option if they choose the “best player available” strategy.
it’s Jeanty or another player found in the second to fourth rounds, the Cowboys need to invest in this position. Their current league-worst metrics are simply unacceptable.
Elliott and Dowdle have 11 games to demonstrate their value, but they may struggle to exceed expectations. Ultimately, it’s time for the Cowboys to make a fresh start.
