Why the Cowboys’ 1st-Round RB Drought Should End in 2025

The Cowboys drafted RBs in Round 1 in 1990 (Emmitt Smith, 17th overall, 18,355 yards, three Super Bowls), 2008 (Felix Jones, 22nd, 2,728 career yards), and 2016 (Ezekiel Elliott, 4th, 8,262 yards, three rushing titles).

These selections, verified through draft records, reflect the team’s periodic investment in RBs despite league trends.

2025 prospect TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) presents a compelling case to break the tradition.

The Precedent: When First-Round RBs Worked

Smith’s 1990 selection remains arguably the most impactful RB draft choice in NFL history. He rushed for 1,000+ yards in 11 consecutive seasons (1991–2001), a record that still stands.

The 2023 RB room ranked among the NFL’s weakest, with Elliott posting 642 rushing yards and Rico Dowdle 361, per team stats.

Tony Pollard’s departure to the Titans in 2024, with a $5.99 million AAV in 2025, left a gap. This aligns with reports of the room being a “bottom feeder” entering 2024, per SI.com rankings.

Early 2024 returns show Elliott with 40 yards on 10 carries in Week 1, Dowdle 26 on 8, reinforcing the need for a high-impact running back.

The 2025 Calculus: TreVeyon Henderson’s Profile

Henderson, a 5’10”, 208-pound home-run hitter, fits Dallas’ historical mold of versatile backs. His 6.4 yards per carry at Ohio State (2021–2024) surpasses Elliott’s 6.0 collegiate average, and his 4.34 40-yard dash (per Combine leaks) aligns with Smith’s 4.44 speed.

However, concerns linger:

Durability: Missed 9 games from 2022–2024 due to foot/ankle injuries

Power: Ranked 112th among 2025 RB prospects in broken tackle rate (12.3%), per Action Network’s draft analytics

Receiving: 54 career catches vs. Smith’s 515 NFL receptions

Unlike 2024’s RB class—which saw zero first-round picks—Henderson grades as a late Round-1 talent due to outlier acceleration (0–15 mph in 1.98 seconds, per Next Gen Stats).

His 31 career TDs of 20+ yards would immediately address Dallas’ 2024 red-zone struggles (24th in TD efficiency).

The Financial Reality

The financial landscape for first-round RBs has shifted, with Henderson’s projected cost at $2.7 million annually for the 12th pick, per rookie wage scale, cheaper than Pollard’s $5.99 million AAV with Tennessee.

The fifth-year option secures cost control through 2029, per NFL CBA rules.

Dallas’ offensive line, ranked fourth in run-block win rate (74%) in 2024 by ESPN, can mitigate Henderson’s injury risks, enhancing efficiency.

Risk vs. Reward

Since 2010, 14 of 21 first-round running backs have earned Pro Bowl nods, including Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley.

Henderson’s injury history (foot surgery in 2023) mirrors Barkley’s pre-draft concerns, yet Barkley still delivered 5,211 scrimmage yards through his rookie contract.

Dallas’ offensive line—ranked 4th in run-block win rate (74%) by ESPN—could maximize Henderson’s efficiency while mitigating wear.

The Verdict

Emmitt Smith’s ghost looms large, but Dallas’ ground game hasn’t ranked top-10 since 2019.

With a middling 2025 first-round pick, TreVeyon Henderson offers Smith-level upside without Elliott’s premium draft capital. If his medicals check out, Jerry Jones’ “best available” mantra should finally bend for need.