Polarizing draft move could pay off big for the Cowboys
As the Dallas Cowboys season has come to an end, it's time to shift the attention to free agency and the draft. Mock Draft SZN is in full swing already. Notable draftniks such as Mel Kiper Jr. and Daniel Jeremiah both released recent mock drafts. Naturally, there's a ton of buzz about the picks. In […]
As the Dallas Cowboys season has come to an end, it's time to shift the attention to free agency and the draft.
Mock Draft SZN is in full swing already. Notable draftniks such as Mel Kiper Jr. and Daniel Jeremiah both released recent mock drafts. Naturally, there's a ton of buzz about the picks.
In regards to Kiper, his draft selection for the Dallas Cowboys is a polarizing one. The veteran draft expert see Dallas taking Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson with the No. 27 overall selection.
"Could Jones and the Cowboys start over and take Robinson, the best back in this class, here? Robinson also is a great pass-catcher, so he's more than just a between-the-tackles runner," Kiper wrote for ESPN. "He could also take some of the pressure off quarterback Dak Prescott."
Robinson makes sense for Cowboys
Drafting a running back in the first-round is always a risk. Especially with the position losing its value in today's NFL. It seems like you can find a running back in any round on a cheap deal and make it work.
Still, Robinson is a different kind of player. He is an elite and well-rounded back that can impact the game in three different phases: as a rusher, receiver, and pass blocker. There's not much he can't do to help an offense. That's been proven on the collegiate level.
For the Cowboys, Robinson could bring similar things to the table that Ezekiel Elliott did early in his career. He would help out Dak Prescott, give the Cowboys a true workhorse back, and add the dimension in the receiving game by catching the ball or protecting the quarterback.
There's a ton to like about Robinson, who won the Doak Walker Award this past season. He is a dynamic back that can impact the game in more than ways one. That could be exactly what Dallas needs to bolster the offense.
Why it would pay off
The Dallas Cowboys have a question mark at the running back position. It's expected that the Cowboys will, at the very least, re-work Ezekiel Elliott's contract. There's a possibilty that they move on altogether, though. Dallas get can out of Zeke's contract this offseason.
Furthermore, Tony Pollard is set to hit free agency. The electric Pollard was finally able to showcase what he can add to the offense in a consistent role this past season. He is an explosive playmaker that puts stress on defenses as a rusher and receiver. It was clear that his precense was key for the Cowboys.
Unfortunately, Pollard has two knocks against him ahead of free agency. He suffered a fractured fibula in the loss to the 49ers, making his health a question mark with contract discussions right around the corner. Secondly, it's always risky to give a running back a second contract.
Therefore, drafting a talent like Robinson, if available, could reset the Cowboys' offense and give a much-needed boost. The former Texas star has the ability to take pressure off Dak Prescott, add an element in the run and passing game, and be an all-around threat.
It's always a risk to take a running back in the first-round. Especially as of late. However, Bijan Robinson has the talent to be the exception to the rule for the Dallas Cowboys.
Featured image via Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
