With the 2024 NFL draft getting a bit closer, adding some veteran leadership to help a rookie out could be beneficial as well as fulfilling a role. The Dallas Cowboys are one of the teams with a clear need as they are entering the 2024 NFL draft: running back.
Josina Anderson is reporting that the Dallas Cowboys are currently in meetings with free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott. He played his first seven seasons with the team before signing with the New England Patriots last season. Elliott finished last season with 184 rushing attempts for 642 yards (3.5 yards per carry) with three rushing touchdowns as well as 17 receptions for 33 yards and a touchdown reception.
The Cowboys lost running back Tony Pollard in free agency to the Tennessee Titans and need to figure out who will be running the football for the team. If Ezekiel Elliott is able to step up and do well with some more in the tank, the Cowboys seemingly would love a reunion with the fourth pick in the 2016 NFL draft.
What running back should the Dallas Cowboys target in the 2024 NFL draft?
The Dallas Cowboys are going to need to address the running back situation during the 2024 NFL draft. They currently have seven picks in the draft and a majority of their needs are on the offensive side of the football. Below are the draft picks they own as of this writing.
- Round 1, Pick 24
- Round 2, Pick 24
- Round 3, Pick 24
- Round 5, Pick 39
- Round 6, Pick 40
- Round 7, Pick 13
- Round 7, Pick 24
While they will be mainly attacking during Day 3 of the NFL draft, there are some running backs who make a lot of sense. One is a player from Austin in Texas’ Jonathon Brooks. He is coming off a torn ACL back in November but should be 100% healthy by the time the season starts. Brooks is a dominant runner and could be a significant force for the Cowboys’ offense.
Another running back who would be a good fit is Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen. He has an impressive size that makes him hard to tackle and averaged a rushing touchdown per game in his collegiate career. Allen also might just be the best pass-catching running back in the entire draft class.
What running back do you believe the Dallas Cowboys are going to draft?