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Could the Dallas Cowboys find Ezekiel Elliott's replacement in the NFL draft? Bijan Robinson, the top running back prospect, has been linked to the team for a long time and could see his draft stock continue to rise.
While Dallas did keep Tony Pollard by way of the franchise tag, they need a backup. They also need a contingency since the tag only lasts for one season. Additionally, their offense was so dynamic last season partly due to having two good running backs on the roster.
Robinson is a highly touted prospect. The Ringer's NFL Draft board has him as the fifth-ranked prospect overall, ahead of players like Peter Skoronski and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Danny Kelly said via the Ringer:
"Robinson has a three-down skill set and should be a high-volume producer from day one; he’s the most complete running back prospect since Saquon Barkley."
He also said:
"Robinson runs with rare balance and body control, showing the uncanny ability to hop, skip, and jump away from tackle attempts and make defenders miss. He’s rarely squared up by defenders and is slippery when contacted, making sudden jukes and jump cuts to avoid hits and shake off tackles."
Robinson could be the NFL's next great running back. Will the Cowboys be the ones to take a shot on him?
You can read Bijan Robinson's draft scouting report here.
Dallas Cowboys' draft picks in 2023
If Dallas were to select Bijan Robinson, where would they pick him? They have the following picks this year:
- 1st round, 26th
- 2nd round, 58th
- 3rd round, 90th
- 4th round, 129th
- 5th round, 169th
- 6th round, 212th
- 7th round, 244th
Which of these picks could be used to select Bijan Robinson if that's the route they choose to go? Modern day thinking would say that an NFL running back is generally only as good as the offensive line in front of him.
That means that running backs are inherently less valuable, and many teams and analysts don't believe a running back should be a first-round pick.
However, since the Cowboys pick 26th, it wouldn't be the end of the world for them to use that draft pick on Robinson, especially if his stock does continue to rise.
Expect him, no matter who takes him, to go in the first two rounds, which could give Dallas two chances at him.
