In a little less than 90 hours from when this post goes live, the Dallas Cowboys will likely make their first pick of the 2023 NFL Draft. Barring an ill-advised trade out of the round the Cowboys will send up the card and we’ll know who the newest player is.
What that player’s name will be depends on which mock draft, television talking head, or wise internet blogger you encounter.
The Cowboys certainly aren’t tipping their hand. Which is only fueling speculation.
One popular point of view is that Dallas will select Texas running back Bijan Robinson. Personally, I don’t think he’ll fall to the Cowboys at #26. Nor do I see Dallas moving up to get him.
Photo by Austin American Statesman
But, for the sake of this post, let’s assume that the Cowboys either move up or Robinson falls to them.
Here’s the question: Do they pull the trigger?
Let’s examine the reasons why they should – and why they shouldn’t – draft him.
Why Dallas Should Draft Bijan Robinson
He’s a game-breaker, for starters. He can dominate a game running the ball, and catching passes out of the backfield. He could be the one piece on offense that pushes Dallas beyond the Divisional round.
Secondly, Tony Pollard is coming off a significant leg injury and how ready he will be to play this fall remains to be seen.
Remember last year?
Michael Gallup coming off a leg injury and was clearly not at one hundred percent.
Even if Pollard is back to full speed, having him and Robinson as a 1-2 punch cannot be overestimated. The duo threat would take a lot of pressure off of Dak Prescott, hopefully leading to fewer forced passes and interceptions.
In short, if Robinson is still sitting backstage when Dallas goes on the clock, they should put his name on the card.
In a few short years we could be looking back at the moment Roger Goodell calls that pick as the beginning of the next dynasty in Dallas.
Why Dallas Should Pass On Robinson
The Cowboys do have Pollard on the roster and word has it that he’s recovering on schedule.
Plus, they just traded for Ronald Jones II, who is about the same size as Robinson. He also knows how to play championship-winning football during his time in Tampa Bay.
The Cowboys certainly could use the pick to address more pressing needs on the offensive and defensive lines.
Should TCU Wide Receiver Quentin Johnson fall to #26 he might be the better long-term solution in the first round as well.
If Bijan is gone by #26, and Dallas simply must pick a running back in the first round, they could look eastward.
Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs could still be there as well.
Or, they could choose to be patient.
There are plenty of other running backs in this draft class sure to be there in the second or third rounds. UCLA’s Zach Charbonet or even TCU’s Kendre Miller should be around in the Friday night rounds.
The Likeliest Scenario
The most probable outcome will be Robinson will be drafted earlier in the round, either by the Eagles or Tampa Bay.
As far as Dallas’ pick, for now, look for it to be an offensive lineman.