The 2024 NFL Draft is expected to be heavy on running backs in the middle rounds and that couldn't be any better news for the Dallas Cowboys, who need to fix a running game that struggled the same year they decided to make Tony Pollard (who is set to hit free agency) their feature back.

While many of those issues stemmed from a questionable run scheme and poor blocking upfront, expect the Cowboys to be in the market for a running back. 

The Senior Bowl is providing several of these backs an opportunity to separate themselves from the rest of the class and two in particular should interest Dallas after the first couple of practices in Mobile, Alabama.

USC's MarShawn Lloyd would solve a big problem

Lloyd did the expected work in the running game but he went a long way in separating himself as a receiving back on Tuesday. Here's our very own Travis May's report on Lloyd's performance heading into Day 2 of Senior Bowl practices: 

MarShawn Lloyd was already considered the best running back at the Senior Bowl by many NFL Draft experts, but he's about to lock that in for good. Not only did he flash on a couple run plays in 11-on-11, he also made some "wow" plays in his 1-on-1 receiving drills.

Lloyd led all power conference running backs in the nation with 8.2 yards per touch on his way to more than 1000 yards in his first season with USC last fall. If he continues to look like the 5-star stud we knew he could be coming into college we may have a stellar starting NFL running back with explosive abilities on our hands.

USC RB MarShawn Lloyd (@m_lloyd_2) made several attention-grabbing plays on Tuesday at the Senior Bowl. He’s making a name for himself in a wide open RB class. #NFLDrafthttps://t.co/SRG2EaKRww pic.twitter.com/EQKibR5DQq

— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) January 31, 2024

With CeeDee Lamb and Dak Prescott dominating defenses in the regular season, they could absolutely use a guy like Lloyd out of the backfield. Defenses constantly play two-high coverages like quarters against the Cowboys offense. Having somebody to be a legit threat underneath out of the backfield could be a great counter. 

Pollard did a lot of catching when he was at Memphis but Dallas hasn't tapped into those skills all that much. 

Below is a summary of A to Z Sports' scouting report on Lloyd by Rob Gregson:

Lloyd undoubtedly has the skill to carve out an NFL role, but his lack of strength will keep him off multiple teams' draft boards. He likely won't be used as a true blocker in the backfield or on special teams, which means the team drafting him will solely be looking to develop him as a true RB. Some teams won't have that type of patience with him unless he is still available late on day three. 

Don't sleep on Marshall's Rasheen Ali

Ali has been a rising prospect over the last few days and he showed why on Day 1 of practices with multiple explosive plays. Below is May's report on the prospect who once had 1,700+ scrimmage yards in a single season (2021). 

Rasheen Ali was a later addition to the Senior Bowl, but it's clear he belongs after one day at practice. The run game was stifled for the majority of both American and National Team practices, but not when Ali had the ball. He showed vision, bend, and burst all in one play here.

For other running back standouts, check out May's biggest risers at the position from Mobile. 

Cowboys’ likeliest first-round quarterback candidate makes his case

Solid pitch.