The Dallas Cowboys use the 12th overall choice in the mock draft to make a “massive upgrade” at running back.

As the NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in an intriguing position. The franchise, coming off a competitive season in the NFC East, has an opportunity to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball, but perhaps nowhere is their attention more focused than in the running back room. In recent years, the Cowboys have boasted a strong offense, primarily fueled by their star quarterback Dak Prescott and the talented wide receiver corps, but the running back position has seen a level of inconsistency and injury that has raised questions about the future direction of the backfield. This offseason, the Cowboys could make a “massive upgrade” at running back, and with the 12th overall pick in the mock draft, they seem primed to do just that.

In this piece, we’ll explore why the Cowboys may opt to use their high first-round pick to upgrade the running back position, which prospects could be on their radar, and the potential impact of such a move on the team’s overall success. From a potential franchise-changing player to a player who can provide a dynamic dual-threat option alongside Prescott, the addition of a top-tier running back could be the key to putting the Cowboys back in Super Bowl contention.

The Need for a Game-Changing Running Back

The Cowboys have long relied on their running game as one of the pillars of their offense. From the days of Emmitt Smith to more recent seasons with Ezekiel Elliott, the team has historically leaned on a workhorse running back to power their offense, control the clock, and provide balance to their attack. However, over the past few seasons, the running back position has been an area of uncertainty for Dallas, and it has become clear that the team may need to make a change to fully realize its offensive potential.

1. Ezekiel Elliott’s Decline

Ezekiel Elliott, once one of the league’s premier running backs, has seen a noticeable decline in recent years. While Elliott remains a capable back, his production has dropped significantly since his peak in 2016 and 2017, when he was among the NFL’s most dominant offensive players. Injuries, combined with a diminished burst and reduced effectiveness in the passing game, have made it difficult for Elliott to consistently perform at a high level. In the 2023 season, Elliott averaged just 3.8 yards per carry, far below the standards that made him a star early in his career.

Elliott’s contract, which was restructured in the offseason, is also becoming a point of contention for the Cowboys, as they will likely face a difficult decision regarding his future in Dallas. Although he’s still under contract for another year, the Cowboys may look to move on from Elliott in the near future, freeing up cap space and potentially ushering in a new era at the running back position.

2. Tony Pollard’s Uncertain Future

While Tony Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance in recent years and emerged as the Cowboys’ most explosive running back, his role has been more as a change-of-pace option rather than a workhorse back. Pollard’s speed, vision, and ability to contribute in both the running and passing game make him an exciting player, but there are questions about whether he can handle a full workload as a feature back over the course of a 17-game season.

Pollard is coming off a career year in 2023, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and averaged 4.8 yards per carry, but the Cowboys may be hesitant to make him their full-time starter due to his relatively lighter frame and injury history. There’s also the possibility that Pollard could command a significant contract in free agency, which could make it difficult for the Cowboys to retain him at a reasonable price.

3. The Need for a Reliable, Franchise-Style Running Back

As much as the Cowboys have leaned on their passing game and Dak Prescott’s arm, the franchise is still built on the foundation of a powerful running game. A dominant running back who can consistently gain yards, break tackles, and take pressure off Prescott would unlock the full potential of the Cowboys’ offense. Furthermore, an elite running back would allow the team to establish a more balanced offensive attack, one that can both control the clock and keep opposing defenses honest.

This is where the 2024 NFL Draft comes into play. The Cowboys have the 12th overall pick, a selection that puts them in range to select one of the top running backs in the class. If the Cowboys are serious about upgrading the position, using that pick to secure a game-changing talent at running back would be an obvious and potentially transformative move.

The Top Running Back Prospects for the Cowboys

The 2024 NFL Draft boasts a strong running back class, with multiple players capable of making an immediate impact at the professional level. The Cowboys will have their choice of several high-profile prospects at the 12th pick, and depending on how the draft board shakes out, they could have an opportunity to add a top-tier back who can contribute right away. Let’s take a look at the three most likely candidates for the Cowboys.

1. Bijan Robinson (Texas)

Considered by many as the top overall running back prospect in this year’s class, Bijan Robinson is a player who could instantly transform the Cowboys’ offense. Robinson has been a dominant force for the Texas Longhorns, combining speed, power, vision, and receiving ability in a way few backs can match. He’s a complete back who can run between the tackles, bounce to the outside, and catch passes out of the backfield.

What sets Robinson apart is his versatility. Not only is he a dynamic runner, but he also excels as a pass catcher, something that would fit well into the Cowboys’ offense, which often looks to get the ball to its playmakers in space. With Robinson, the Cowboys would not only add a reliable three-down back but also a player who could be an immediate focal point of their offense, alleviating some of the pressure on Prescott.

The only question is whether Robinson will still be on the board at 12. Some mock drafts have him being taken earlier, potentially in the top 10. However, if he’s available, the Cowboys would be wise to pull the trigger and select Robinson, who could be their feature back for years to come.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)

If Bijan Robinson is off the board, Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama is another exciting option for the Cowboys. Gibbs is an explosive and agile back who possesses elite speed and acceleration. He’s known for his ability to hit the hole quickly and make defenders miss in the open field, often turning small gains into big plays. Gibbs is also a dangerous receiving threat, able to split out wide and run routes with wide receiver-like precision.

Gibbs’ ability to contribute in both the running and passing game would make him an excellent complement to Dak Prescott, especially given how much the Cowboys utilize their backs in the passing game. While Gibbs may not have the same between-the-tackles power as Robinson, his quickness and playmaking ability make him a versatile weapon who could contribute right away.

3. Zach Charbonnet (UCLA)

While Robinson and Gibbs are the more high-profile prospects, Zach Charbonnet from UCLA offers a more balanced skill set and could be an excellent value pick for the Cowboys at No. 12. Charbonnet is a powerful, downhill runner with excellent vision and balance. He is adept at picking up tough yards between the tackles and has a solid combination of size and speed that makes him difficult to bring down. Charbonnet’s physical running style would mesh well with the Cowboys’ offensive philosophy, and his durability is a huge plus.

Charbonnet isn’t as dynamic as Robinson or Gibbs in the passing game, but he’s a reliable back who can contribute in all phases. His ability to move the chains and consistently pick up tough yardage would allow the Cowboys to keep their offense on schedule and provide an element of power that they’ve been lacking at times in recent years.

The Impact of a New Running Back on the Cowboys’ Offense

If the Cowboys use the 12th overall pick to select a top-tier running back, the impact on their offense could be immediate and profound. A game-changing running back would bring balance and explosiveness to the Cowboys’ offense, providing Prescott with a reliable option to lean on in both the running and passing games. This new addition could allow the Cowboys to maintain offensive efficiency and keep defenses guessing, creating more opportunities for play-action passes and opening up the field for their wide receivers.

With a high-quality running back, the Cowboys would also be able to control the clock more effectively, giving their defense more rest and keeping opposing offenses off the field. In the NFC East, where games are often physical and come down to the wire, a potent ground game could be the difference-maker in tight contests.

Moreover, the presence of a dynamic running back would take pressure off Prescott, who has often been forced to carry the weight of the offense on his shoulders. By having a reliable and dangerous option in the backfield, Prescott would have more time to find open receivers and make smarter decisions, knowing that he has a back capable of putting up big yardage and making plays when needed.