It is anticipated that the Dallas Cowboys will select a standout running back in the draft, adding a dynamic weapon to their offense.

The Dallas Cowboys, one of the NFL’s most iconic franchises, are always under the microscope when it comes to the NFL Draft. With a roster full of talent and lofty expectations, every draft pick made by the Cowboys is scrutinized in hopes of improving their chances of returning to the Super Bowl. The Cowboys have been particularly strong in recent years with their defense, but their offense has experienced some inconsistencies. Despite having one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Dak Prescott and a dynamic wide receiver corps headlined by CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys’ running game has struggled at times.

In 2025, the Cowboys are predicted to use their draft picks to strengthen their offense, with a particular focus on adding a star running back to their backfield. This move is seen as an essential step in solidifying their offensive identity and creating a balanced attack. The potential addition of a top-tier running back could open up new avenues for the Cowboys’ offense, allowing them to be more versatile and unpredictable in their game plans. But what does this predicted move mean for the team and how could it reshape their future?

The Need for a Star Running Back

The Cowboys’ offense has been in search of a true, elite running back since the departure of DeMarco Murray, who was the team’s bell-cow back during their last Super Bowl-contending seasons. Since then, the running back position has been a bit of a revolving door. Ezekiel Elliott, once one of the league’s top running backs, had a spectacular early career, but in recent seasons, his performance has tapered off, and the Cowboys eventually released him after the 2024 season. While Tony Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance as a change-of-pace back and has emerged as the team’s lead running back, the Cowboys have lacked a true, all-around workhorse back that can dominate for four quarters.

Pollard’s ability as a receiver out of the backfield and as a running back has made him an integral part of the Cowboys’ offense, but he isn’t the type of player to carry the full load on his own. While Pollard is explosive and capable of big plays, he’s not a traditional power back who can consistently grind out tough yards between the tackles. The Cowboys have been in search of a running back who can complement Pollard and give their offense a more dynamic look, one that features both a workhorse rusher and an explosive playmaker.

In an era where offenses are relying more on a balanced approach, the Cowboys recognize the importance of a strong running game. A dominant ground game can take pressure off the quarterback, wear down opposing defenses, and open up play-action opportunities. A top-tier running back would allow the Cowboys to control the clock and make their offense more unpredictable, balancing their potent passing attack.

As a result, the Cowboys are expected to target a star running back in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team has made it clear that improving their running game is a priority, and with an increasingly competitive NFC, adding a difference-maker at the running back position could be exactly what they need to contend for a Super Bowl.

Who Are the Top Running Back Prospects?

The 2025 NFL Draft is widely regarded as having an exceptionally talented crop of running backs, several of whom could be immediate impact players at the next level. The Cowboys, picking in the first round, will likely have a chance to select one of the top running backs available. Here are a few of the leading candidates that could fit the Cowboys’ needs:

1. Brock Williams (University of Alabama)

Brock Williams is widely considered the top running back prospect in the 2025 draft class. Williams has all the traits that NFL scouts look for in a feature back: size, speed, vision, and versatility. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 225 pounds, Williams possesses the size to run between the tackles but also has the quickness to break off long runs. He finished his college career at Alabama with over 1,500 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns as a senior, along with an impressive average of 5.5 yards per carry.

Williams is also a capable receiver, having caught 40 passes for 500 yards and 4 touchdowns in his final season. His ability to contribute both in the running game and as a receiving threat out of the backfield makes him a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ offense, which already features a versatile quarterback in Dak Prescott and a strong receiving corps. Williams has the potential to be an immediate three-down back in the NFL, and his ability to handle the load could complement Tony Pollard’s more explosive, change-of-pace style.

2. Zane Foster (University of Ohio State)

Zane Foster, another top running back prospect from Ohio State, is known for his burst and elusiveness. At 6’0” and 210 pounds, Foster doesn’t have the same power as some of the other top prospects, but he has an incredible combination of speed and agility that makes him a dangerous threat in the open field. Foster possesses the vision to find cutback lanes and the patience to let blocks develop in front of him.

Foster has been particularly dangerous in the red zone, scoring over 20 touchdowns during his final college season. While he may not have the same physicality as Williams, Foster’s speed and ability to make defenders miss could provide a game-breaking element to the Cowboys’ offense. He would fit well as a change-of-pace back alongside Pollard, providing the Cowboys with a dual-threat attack on the ground.

3. Jaylen Clark (University of Georgia)

Jaylen Clark is a powerful, downhill runner who is tough to stop once he gains momentum. At 6’2” and 230 pounds, Clark is built like a classic power back, capable of moving piles and wearing down defenses over the course of a game. He’s known for his aggressive running style and ability to pick up tough yards, particularly on short-yardage situations. His ability to grind out tough runs could help the Cowboys on critical third downs and in the red zone.

While Clark is not as explosive as some of the other top prospects, his ability to break tackles and maintain his balance after contact makes him an intriguing option for the Cowboys. His physicality and durability could help create a more balanced running attack and would make him a solid complement to Pollard’s speed and quickness. Additionally, Clark has shown that he can catch passes out of the backfield, making him an all-around threat who could contribute in various situations.

How the Cowboys’ Offense Would Benefit

Adding a dynamic running back like any of the aforementioned prospects would dramatically improve the Cowboys’ offense in several key ways:

1. More Balance on Offense

The Cowboys have one of the most potent passing games in the league, led by Dak Prescott and a star-studded receiving corps that includes CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and Brandin Cooks. However, the team has often found itself relying too heavily on Prescott to carry the load, which leads to predictable play calling and increases the pressure on the quarterback. A star running back would allow the Cowboys to establish a more balanced offense, forcing defenses to respect the run and opening up opportunities in the passing game.

With a threat like Brock Williams or Zane Foster in the backfield, opposing defenses would have to be much more cautious, which would improve Prescott’s ability to execute play-action passes and give him more time to read the defense. A more balanced offense also helps to control the clock, wearing down opposing defenses and keeping the Cowboys’ defense fresh.

2. A More Versatile Offensive Game Plan

The addition of a top-tier running back would also give the Cowboys more versatility in their game planning. The Cowboys would have the flexibility to feature a physical, power-run game that could grind out long drives, as well as a high-speed, up-tempo offense that uses a dynamic backfield as a weapon. Additionally, a well-rounded back would give the team more options on third downs and in the red zone, both areas where the Cowboys have struggled in recent seasons.

With a running back capable of catching passes, the Cowboys could deploy multiple running back sets to confuse defenses, forcing them to account for multiple playmakers in the backfield. This would make the Cowboys’ offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend.

3. Relieving Dak Prescott

The pressure on Dak Prescott to carry the offense is immense. A star running back would help relieve some of that pressure, particularly in situations where the Cowboys need to control the clock or manage a lead. Prescott has been a top-tier quarterback for several years, but having a reliable, explosive running back who can pick up tough yards and sustain drives would allow him to focus on executing his passing game with more freedom.

With a running back capable of wearing down defenses, the Cowboys could control the tempo of games and give Prescott more opportunities to succeed in favorable situations.