Getty Image / Tom Pennington
It looks like the Dallas Cowboys haven’t learned from the mistakes of their past.
Back in 2016, they spent the 4th overall pick on Ezekiel Elliott with the expectation that he would be the centerpiece of their offense as they tried to end their Super Bowl drought.
Unfortunately, despite having the best offensive line in football early in Zeke’s career, they still haven’t been able to make it beyond the NFC Divisional Round in his career.
Over the last couple of years, the hefty contract extension they gave Elliott has put them in a tough cap situation while he has shown clear signs of decline.
In spite of their last early running back selection not having the desired results, it looks like they are at least considering repeating the mistake.
Stephen Jones, the son of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and the team’s executive vice president, the team isn’t opposed to drafting a running back in round 1.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said, from a philosophical standpoint, he is not opposed to drafting a running back in first round. But it depends where in the round. “If you’re taking a player in the top half, you’re hoping you’ve got a player who is going to be here for 10 years.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 28, 2023
With the team also likely locking Tony Pollard up with the franchise tag, drafting a running back in the 1st round would be a disastrous decision.
In general, it’s not a good idea to spend a 1st rounder on a running back. It’s much easier to find production later in the draft at the position than at other positions.
The Cowboys also don’t even need a running back right now. Pollard topped 1000 yards last year while splitting carries with Zeke.
The Cowboys have actual needs on offense. They could use another dependable receiver to play alongside CeeDee Lamb. They might be losing Dalton Schultz this offseason.
Whatever they end up actually doing with the pick, the Dallas Cowboys shouldn’t be spending their 1st rounder on a running back.