How Ezekiel Elliott’s reported release could lead to a Round 1 RB for Cowboys

Although Dallas has Pro Bowl back in Tony Pollard and a promising second-year runner in Malik Davis, Texas’ Bijan Robinson and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs could both be early draft options at the position for Dallas, should they opt to replenish their depth through the college ranks.
Robinson won the 2022 Doak Walker Award after rushing for the sixth-most yards in the FBS last season (1,580 yards on 258 attempts). According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill Jr., the Cowboys showed interest in Robinson at the NFL Combine, meeting with his agent.

For his part, Gibbs tied for the seventh-fastest 40-yard dash in Indianapolis (4.36 seconds) and boasts a game which generally mirrors that of Saints RB Alvin Kamara. Writes NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah of the Alabama standout, “Gibbs isn’t quite as strong as Kamara, but the rest of his game is almost identical.”

The Cowboys have the No. 27 pick in the first round, within range to likely select one of these RBs if they so choose. While Pollard looked like an emerging star last season, rushing for a career-high 1,007 yards on 193 attempts, he broke his fibula and suffered an ankle injury in a post-season loss to the 49ers.

While Pollard subsequently underwent offseason surgery and is expected to be ready for training camp, the 25-year-old’s durability questions make added depth all that more important for Dallas. Davis only had 38 carries in 12 games last season and it’s unclear if he is ready to serve as a true complement to Pollard. Adding one more talented, young RB who can fill the RB2 role that Elliott occupied last season is a luxury that the Cowboys should at least consider come April’s draft.