Could Dallas Cowboys Draft Longhorns RB Due to Hidden Talent?

The Dallas Cowboys need running back reinforcements, but even with other pressing needs, could the franchise add one later in the draft?

Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) jumps over Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie / Ricardo Brazziell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Running back has felt like a pressing need for the Dallas Cowboys since Ezekiel Elliott's steady decline began after the 2019 season. While Zeke was still the hammer the Cowboys utilized to perfection at times, the tread on his tires was wearing a little thin (although a reunion in 2024 has been mentioned).

Then Tony Pollard emerged as a genuine RB2 for the Dallas offense and such were his performances in 2022, that Elliott was allowed to leave, and Pollard assumed the starting role. Last season didn't go to plan for Pollard as Dak Prescott often had to overcome the lack of run game. Something he did to aplomb as he finished second in MVP voting.

Now, as we edge closer to the draft, running back is again a pressing need with Pollard signing with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. That leaves Rico Dowdle, who showed flashes last season as the default RB1 behind Prescott.

Given the urgent offensive line needs, taking a running back in the first round is likely out of the question, but what about later in the draft? ESPN's Matt Miller thinks Texas back Jonathon Brooks looms as a viable option. ... and he mentions a hidden talent of sorts.

“Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas,” Miller writes. “The Cowboys' lack of a starting-caliber running back on the roster means whomever they draft has to be ready to carry the load. Brooks can do that, despite coming off a November ACL injury. Brooks has power and vision, and he is the best pass-protecting back in the class. He posted 1,139 yards last season.”

In his 11 games for the Longhorns before his injury, Brooks was averaging over 100 rushing yards per game and already had 10 touchdowns. He also averaged an impressive 6.1 yards a clip. That kind of production would be welcome in Dallas.

Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) jumps over Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Reggie / Ricardo Brazziell / USA TODAY NETWORK

Of course, there is a worry regarding how Brooks will recover from his ACL injury, but the Cowboys doctor performed the surgery so the team will know exactly how he feels going forward.

Needing a bell cow of sorts, Brooks fits the mold as six times last season he had 20+ carries and in all bar one (99 yards), he surpassed 100 rushing yards. Given the Cowboys' want to get their running backs involved in the passing game, Brooks can also be an option out of the back field.

Brooks had received totals of 42, 34, 51, 40, and 74 for the Longhorns last season which would give the Cowboys offense another dimension. But it could be his ability in pass-protection that makes Mike McCarthy's ears prick up.

Given the focus on the Cowboys' running backs and their pass protection ability last offseason, getting Brooks, who already has that notch on his belt, could be another reason why Dallas might like to stay local with its choice of running back.

The Cowboys desperately need a running back that can be relied upon to pick up consistent yards, and in Brooks, they might get it.