With the draft fast approaching, the Cowboys are poised to make a significant move to solidify their running back position for the future.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws near, the
Dallas Cowboys find themselves at a
pivotal crossroads in their roster-
building journey. With a strong core of
talent already in place, the team is now
focused on one of the most crucial areas
of need heading into the draft: the
running back position. After years of
relying on a mix of veterans and mid-tier
players, the Cowboys are looking to bring
in a dynamic, explosive runner who can
contribute immediately. As such, their
scouting department has been locked in
on the top running back prospects, each
of whom has the potential to transform
the backfield and complement the team’s
powerful offense.
Why Running Back?
The Cowboys have had solid
contributions from Ezekiel Elliott over
the years, but as the team looks to the
future, a change at the running back
position seems imminent. While Tony
Pollard has stepped up in Zeke’s absence,
his style of play doesn’t necessarily offer
the full, every-down workload Dallas has
leaned on in the past. A versatile,
explosive back could give the Cowboys
that extra layer of dynamism and depth
needed to challenge the NFL’s best
defenses.
The decision to draft a running back in
2025 would also allow the team to bring
in a young, cost-controlled player who
can grow alongside their already
impressive offensive line and skill
players. With the right choice, Dallas can
secure a back who can help elevate Dak
Prescott’s play-action game and provide
an added weapon in the passing game.
The Top Running Back Prospects
Brock Pierce – University of Texas
Pierce has quickly become one of the
most talked-about running back
prospects of the draft season. With
excellent size and speed, Pierce
combines power running with the ability
to change direction at high speed. His
vision and footwork in the open field are
next-level, and he has the quickness to
take short-yardage plays to the house. As
a dual-threat back, Pierce excels both as
a rusher and a receiver, making him a
versatile weapon in the backfield.
Strengths:** Powerful, vision,
breakaway speed, receiving ability
Fit for Dallas:** Pierce’s blend of size
and speed makes him a strong candidate
for the Cowboys’ offense, giving Dak
Prescott another reliable option in the
passing game, as well as a durable and
explosive runner for between-the-tackles
work.
Miles Johnson – University of Alabama
A product of the famed Alabama
football program, Johnson has emerged
as a top-tier running back in this class.
Known for his burst and agility, Johnson
possesses the ability to explode through
small openings and make defenders
miss. His versatility makes him a threat
in both short-yardage situations and as
an outside runner. What makes Johnson
stand out is his ability to thrive in both
the passing game and on designed runs.
Strengths: Quickness elusiveness versatility
Fit for Dallas Johnson’s ability to impact
the game in a variety of ways would
make him an ideal complement to
Pollard in Dallas’ two-back system,
adding an element of unpredictability to
the offense.
Devon Riley – University of Georgia
Riley is a powerful, downhill runner
with elite vision and patience. Standing
at 6’2” and weighing around 225 pounds,
he is a north-south runner who can
move the chains and wear down
defenses over the course of a game. He
may not possess the top-end speed of
some of his counterparts, but his
toughness and consistency make him a
workhorse back who can dominate in
goal-line and short-yardage situations.
Strengths: Power running, vision, toughness
Fit for Dallas:** Riley’s ability to pound
the ball between the tackles and keep
defenses honest could provide the
Cowboys with a steady, reliable option in
their running back rotation. He could
also serve as a solid complement in
short-yardage and red-zone situations,
which is an area Dallas has struggled
with in recent seasons.
Kai Williams – University of Florida
Williams is an electrifying athlete with
home-run ability every time he touches
the ball. His quickness and agility allow
him to evade defenders, and he
consistently breaks off big plays with his
top-end speed. Although a smaller frame
(5’9”, 190 pounds), Williams has
demonstrated great balance and the
ability to absorb contact without losing
speed. He’s also a natural pass catcher,
making him an excellent fit for a team
that likes to run a balanced offense and
spread the ball around.
Strengths: Speed, balance, pass-catching ability
Fit for Dallas:** If the Cowboys are
looking for a dynamic change-of-pace
back who can make explosive plays,
Williams could be the perfect fit. His
ability to stretch the field on outside runs
and catch passes out of the backfield
would add an exciting new layer to the
offense.
Looking Ahead
As the Cowboys gear up for the draft,
there’s no question that selecting the
right running back will be crucial for the
team’s continued success. With multiple
talented prospects available, the
Cowboys will need to make sure they
choose a back who not only fits their
offensive scheme but also complements
the talent already present on the roster.
Whether they’re looking for a true
workhorse like Riley or a versatile dual-
threat like Pierce or Johnson, the
Cowboys are in a prime position to add
an impactful running back to their
already explosive offense. With the draft
just around the corner, expect the
Cowboys to make a bold move and
secure their future at running back.
