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Mike Fanelli breaks down whether or not the Dallas Cowboys will draft a running back during the 2024 NFL Draft. Which running back will the Cowboys draft?
The Dallas Cowboys had one of the top offenses in the NFL last season. While many had high hopes for Tony Pollard in his first year as the starter, the former Memphis star was a disappointment.
Dallas needs to improve its rushing attack. Unfortunately, that will be easier said than done. The Cowboys lost two starting offensive linemen in free agency, including future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith. More importantly, Pollard signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans.
With Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, Malik Davis, and Snoop Conner as the four running backs currently on the roster, Dallas must add someone of significance over the next few weeks.
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Will the Dallas Cowboys Draft a Running Back?
Some mock drafts have the Cowboys selecting a running back with their first-round pick. While last year’s draft class had two elite running back prospects, there isn’t a first-round-caliber guy this year. Instead, expect Dallas to add a running back after the first round.
Reportedly, Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys have a mutual interest in a reunion. However, that shouldn’t stop them from adding a running back during the NFL Draft, as the veteran has little gas left in the tank.
UPDATE: The Dallas Cowboys and former RB Ezekiel Elliott have mutual interest in a possible reunion. pic.twitter.com/YmD7MiM2DR
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) March 30, 2024
Dallas lacks meaningful Day 3 capital, as the team doesn’t have a fourth-round pick. Its first selection on Day 3 is late in the fifth round at 174th overall. Therefore, expect the Cowboys to use one of their Day 2 picks on a running back.
Which Running Backs Could the Dallas Cowboys Target on Day 2?
Many mock drafts have Dallas selecting Texas’s Jonathon Brooks with its second-round pick at 56th overall. The Longhorns star is coming off a torn ACL but is arguably the clear-cut top running back in the draft class when healthy. Meanwhile, the Cowboys could also target Florida State’s Trey Benson or Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright with their second-round pick.
Jonathon Brooks BUSTS A BIG RECEPTION AND A TOUCHDOWN
HORNS UP 7-3 pic.twitter.com/0nA8Qx3wxz
— Nash (@NashTalksTexas) November 12, 2023
If Dallas waits until the third round to draft a running back, it will have some appealing options. USC’s MarShawn Lloyd’s draft stock has improved over the past several weeks. Yet, he should be available when the Cowboys pick in the third round at 87th overall. Another potential option in the third round is Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen.
Regardless of which running back Dallas picks on Day 2, expect its post-NFL Draft dynasty rookie draft ADP to skyrocket.
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