NEWS FLASH:Dallas Cowboys Later-Round Draft Fits at Running Back Revealed by PFF…

The Dallas Cowboys will most likely look to the NFL Draft to replace running back Tony Pollard. Who might they target in later rounds?

There are numerous possibilities for the Dallas Cowboys to consider with the No. 24 pick in the NFL Draft. The defense’s spine can be strengthened, the offensive line is significantly less durable than it was last season, and the offense desperately needs an improvement over Michael Gallup on the boundary.

Dallas also has a huge need in the backfield, but selecting one on the opening day of the draft may pack the streets surrounding The Star. As a result, the Cowboys are expected to draft a running back at some time, albeit with a lower pick and subsequent commitment.

If Dallas wants to be confident in its ground game, it must replace running back Tony Pollard before the draft ends. Who might they target in two weeks?

Pro Football Focus recently published its top picks for Days 2 and 3. For the Cowboys, both prospects were in the backfield.

There is little agreement on the best running back in this year’s class, and almost no mock draft is bold enough to include a back in Round 1. Although this should limit expectations for possible rookie running backs, it does not rule out the possibility of finding a true starter on day two.

One of the contenders is Texas running back Jonathon Brooks.

Dalton Wasserman stated, “The Cowboys lost Tony Pollard in free agency, leaving Rico Dowdle, who has fewer than 400 career rushing yards, as the starter.” “Jonathon Brooks, the top running back on PFF’s big board, makes a lot of sense as Pollard’s replacement, assuming he recovers from his ACL tear. Brooks was on track to win the Doak Walker Award last season before his injury.

Brooks may be the frontrunner to move to Frisco because he resembles Pollard, who was a potent danger in 2022. Pollard, as a complement to Ezekiel Elliott, consistently made big plays, emerging as a running back and receiver to carry the passing game.

Brooks is as explosive, if not more, than Pollard. There’s reason to be optimistic about his effect in zone-rushing tactics, despite some deficiencies in his footwork and vision that limit his potential.

If the Cowboys pass on a running back and wait until Day 3, Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen might wear the star on the side of his helmet. Delaying the decision will be welcomed by those who are still undecided on a running back leader. Why invest a top 100 choice on a guy who is not expected to be significantly better than his later-round counterpart?

“Allen’s size and power made him tough to bring down in college,” Gordon McGuinness wrote. “Over the previous three seasons, he averaged 3.66 yards after contact per run and forced 145 missed tackles on 596 carries. He is only 20 years old, which works in his advantage despite his hard schedule at college.”

If Dallas wants a bigger back, Allen meets the bill. He is stronger than Brooks and, predictably, a more consistent force between the tackles. Fans who like Elliott to Pollard will find much to enjoy in Allen.

He’s more consistent and has the long speed to hit home runs, but in 2023, he failed to be as forceful and elusive as he had in previous seasons. Given his age and pedigree, he’ll most certainly see time as a bell-cow back for the team that chooses him.

Dallas’ prospective offensive line improvements will be more important to the rushing game’s success than the back they bring in, but making big plays from that aspect of the offense will only become more important if the club continues on its present path under center.