Blogging The Boys
For nearly a decade, the Cowboys have a played a prominent role in shaping how the NFL values running backs
The value of running backs in the modern NFL has been a hot topic for a while. After a big 2024 season for runners, the debate is raging on heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. With a loaded RB class to choose from and a big need at the position, the Dallas Cowboys could again be a major player in this conversation.
We say “again” because for a long time, Dallas has helped shape the perception of RB importance. The dominance of the NFL’s all-time rushing leader, Emmitt Smith, in the 90s is a key marker for the evolutionary path of the position. While some icons came after him like LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, and Frank Gore, Smith was one of the last backs to be a catalyst for championship success. After him, the league would belong to the Tom Bradys and Peyton Mannings.
In 2016, the Cowboys made what many considered a throwback move by drafting Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth-overall pick. Outside of using a third-rounder on DeMarco Murray in 2011, it was Dallas’ first major draft investment at RB since taking Felix Jones in the first round of 2008. Controversially choosing Zeke over CB Jalen Ramsey, the Cowboys’ decision has been continuously debated down to today. Indeed, Elliott’s rapid decline in just his mid-20s has become a cautionary tale for investing heavily in runners.
Going into last season, the RB position was at arguably an all-time depressed state. But Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry struck blows for their ball-carrying brothers with huge seasons, with Barkley’s leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl win. After signing modest free agent deals, given the general devaluation and being on what’s now considered the “older side” for the position, Barkley and Henry helped put some respect back on the collective name.
That brings us to next week’s draft. This 2025 RB class is keeping the conversation going, boasting one of the most highly-regarded prospects in years in Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and a load of talent behind him. It’s considered the deepest group in a long time, opening all sorts of arguments about draft strategy and when to strike.
Few teams, if any, need a starting running back out of this draft more than the Cowboys. While getting solid work last year out of journeyman Rico Dowdle, Dallas let him go in free agency and has only added a borderline bust in Javonte Williams and aging veteran Miles Sanders. At best, they’ll only replicate Dowdle’s production and even that looks iffy right now.
Despite this obvious need, many would loathe the idea of Dallas spending its first-round pick on Jeanty or any other running back. Even if a cornerback like Will Johnson or receiver like Tetairoa McMillan isn’t considered as special a prospect as Jeanty, Dallas has enough need at CB and WR that many would prefer those picks to strengthen...
