The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2024 NFL Draft with eight selections but notably didn’t pick a running back, a decision that left some fans unsettled given the team’s lack of an established player in that position after Tony Pollard’s departure to the Titans.
This absence fueled speculation about a potential reunion with Ezekiel Elliott, the former star rusher for Dallas from 2016 to 2022, who amassed impressive stats during his tenure with the team.
Following the draft, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones attributed the selection of three offensive linemen to capitalizing on the strength of talent available in that position. Jones, known for his colorful remarks, compared the decision to the rationale behind robbing banks—because that’s where the money is.
While his analogy provided entertainment, it sidestepped the running back query, which Stephen Jones, the team’s executive vice president, addressed.
Stephen Jones clarified that at each opportunity to pick a running back, the Cowboys found another player graded higher on their draft board. He expressed confidence in addressing the position through free agency. Despite this assurance, the team has yet to secure a running back through undrafted free agency signings, leaving fans curious about the front office’s strategy.
The absence of a significant running back addition leaves the Cowboys with Rico Dowdle atop the depth chart, followed by Deuce Vaughn and recent acquisition Royce Freeman. Dowdle’s modest 2023 season performance and the lack of a standout rusher on the current roster underscore the importance of addressing the position effectively, either through free agency or other means.
As speculation continues about the Cowboys’ running back situation, attention remains focused on potential signings and the team’s strategy for bolstering the position. The decision not to select a running back in the draft, coupled with ongoing uncertainty regarding free agency acquisitions, underscores the significance of this position for the Cowboys’ roster composition and their quest for success in the upcoming season.
