With the departure of long-tenured and beloved star running back, Ezekiel Elliott, and the uncertainty of Tony Pollard’s health going forward, the Dallas Cowboys are questionable at the running back position.
Tony Pollard is a back that has not seen 200 or more carry attempts in his 4-year career.
In an offense that bodes well with an elite run game, the Cowboys will need to fill the void that is now apparent.
How do they feel that void? His name is Bijan Robinson.
Bijan Robinson — the stud running back from The University of Texas — is the number one back in the 2023 NFL draft boards.
Robinson was awarded the Doak Walker Award, an award that honors the top running back in college football. In 2022, Robinson finished with over 1,500 yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, and 2 receiving touchdowns.
A dual-threat back, Robinson is a legit threat in the pass game as well.
Being able to find open space on check downs is an attribute of Robinson’s that will pair tremendously well with the Cowboys offensive scheme.
Robinson is also not afraid to get down and dirty as he’s willing to serve as a blocker.
Complementing Pollard with Robinson would give the Cowboys a very scary double-headed monster in the backfield.
Drafting Robinson ensures the Cowboys have a legitimate threat in the backfield should Pollard not be 100 percent by opening week.
In 2022, when the Cowboys rushed at least 30 times in a game their record was an incredible 9-0. However, when they had less than 30 rush attempts their record was a disappointing 3-5.
A player like Bijan Robinson could help Head Coach Mike McCarthy and his way of running things on the offense.
McCarthy is quoted to be in favor of running the ball more as this allows the defense to get some rest. McCarthy’s focus will be more on game management as he would like to control the clock, rather than light the scoreboard up.
With McCarthy wanting to run the ball, having two amazing backs at his disposal should benefit him well when calling plays.
In order to bleed the clock you need backs who are able to get first downs. Robinson is more than capable of doing so.
Aside from the positive impacts on the field, Robinson will also impact the money going forward. Drafting Robinson ensures the Cowboys have a high-quality back on a team-friendly deal for the next couple of years.
Consequently, this will allow the Cowboys to avoid another wasteful contract like the one Elliott was given. Thus allowing the team to strengthen any weak positions that may arise after the 2023 season.
Many are against the Cowboys drafting a running back in the first round, however, Robinson is a generational talent.
Running back is also the position the Cowboys could use help in with their current win-now demeanor.
After the addition of Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks, the Cowboys addressed the hole that plagued their wide receiver corps.
With Dallas making moves this early (before the draft) it’s evident the Cowboys are serious about producing the best team possible. Drafting Bijan Robinson only solidifies that statement.
