Top Running Back Options for the Dallas Cowboys During the NFL Draft

The NFL Draft offers teams an opportunity to acquire young, talented players who can make an immediate impact on the field. For the Dallas Cowboys, an organization with a storied history of strong offensive line play and an emphasis on running the ball, selecting the right running back can be crucial to their future success. With a mix of aging players, potential free agents, and a team trying to retool and improve for the long haul, the Cowboys may look to bolster their backfield. Let’s break down the top running back options the Cowboys could consider during the upcoming NFL Draft.

1. Bijan Robinson (Texas) – The Complete Package

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 215 lbs
2023 Stats: 1,580 rushing yards, 18 touchdowns, 19 receptions, 314 receiving yards

Bijan Robinson is widely regarded as the best running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class. His combination of size, vision, speed, and receiving ability is unmatched. He would be an immediate upgrade to the Cowboys’ backfield and provide them with an elite talent who can carry the load on all three downs.

Robinson is a versatile, all-around back who excels both as a rusher and a receiver. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field while maintaining the strength to break tackles makes him an ideal fit in any offensive scheme. The Cowboys, known for their zone-blocking scheme, would benefit greatly from Robinson’s ability to read blocks and exploit running lanes. His vision and patience would allow him to thrive behind a strong offensive line, while his receiving skills would give Dak Prescott another dynamic weapon in the passing game.

The Cowboys’ offensive line has been one of the best in the league for several seasons, and Robinson would only amplify their efforts. While Robinson is expected to go in the top 10 of the draft, if the Cowboys are able to land him, he could become the cornerstone of their offense for years to come.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama) – The Big Play Threat

Height/Weight: 5’9”, 200 lbs
2023 Stats: 1,370 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, 44 receptions, 444 receiving yards

Jahmyr Gibbs is a dynamic, playmaking back with a high ceiling. At 5’9” and 200 pounds, he may not have the size of some of the other top running backs, but he makes up for it with his speed, vision, and receiving ability. Gibbs has the potential to be a true dual-threat back, capable of changing the game both on the ground and as a receiver out of the backfield.

The Cowboys have relied on receiving backs in the past, especially with the likes of Tony Pollard, who has proven to be a versatile option in the passing game. Gibbs could bring that same level of versatility, but with more upside as a pure runner. His ability to hit home runs on any given play makes him an ideal fit for a team that values explosive plays in their offense.

Gibbs would be a great complement to Pollard, who has shown flashes of being a lead back but is better suited as a change-of-pace, explosive player. Having both players in the backfield would give the Cowboys a unique and dangerous one-two punch that could keep defenses on their heels. If Gibbs falls into the second or third round, the Cowboys would be wise to take a hard look at him as a long-term solution in their backfield.

3. Zach Charbonnet (UCLA) – The Powerful, Do-It-All Back

Height/Weight: 6’1”, 220 lbs
2023 Stats: 1,359 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, 37 receptions, 321 receiving yards

Zach Charbonnet is a big, physical back with impressive athleticism for his size. Standing at 6’1” and 220 pounds, Charbonnet is built to handle a heavy workload in the NFL. He has great vision, power, and balance, making him a tough runner between the tackles. Additionally, Charbonnet has proven himself to be an effective receiver, displaying reliable hands and the ability to gain yards after the catch.

One of Charbonnet’s most attractive traits is his ability to handle a three-down role. He is more than capable of picking up blitzes and pass protection, a critical aspect of the Cowboys’ offensive scheme. While he may not have the game-breaking speed of a Robinson or Gibbs, Charbonnet has enough burst to make big plays when necessary, and his strength allows him to wear down defenses over the course of a game.

Given the Cowboys’ recent struggles with consistent running back depth, Charbonnet could offer stability and a well-rounded game. His strong, downhill running style would complement the offensive line’s strengths and could be a valuable asset for Dak Prescott and the offense.

4. Tank Bigsby (Auburn) – The Tough, Physical Runner

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 213 lbs
2023 Stats: 1,100 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, 19 receptions, 187 receiving yards

Tank Bigsby is a bruising running back who thrives on contact and is built for short-yardage situations and grinding out tough yards. Standing at 6’0” and weighing 213 pounds, Bigsby has the size and strength to run through defenders, which makes him a tough matchup for opposing linebackers and defensive backs. While he’s not the most elusive back, Bigsby makes up for it with his physicality and ability to fall forward after contact.

Bigsby has the vision to follow blockers and the patience to let plays develop. His running style is reminiscent of some of the more traditional power backs in the NFL, but he also displays enough agility to make defenders miss in the open field. As a complement to Pollard, Bigsby could provide the Cowboys with a more traditional, power-running option while Pollard takes on the explosive, playmaking role.

While Bigsby may not offer the same level of receiving ability as some of the other backs on this list, he could still contribute as a safety valve in the passing game. With the Cowboys likely looking for a back who can complement Pollard and offer a change of pace, Bigsby could be a solid pick in the mid-rounds.

5. Kendre Miller (TCU) – The Under-the-Radar Option

Height/Weight: 6’0”, 220 lbs
2023 Stats: 1,399 rushing yards, 17 touchdowns, 16 receptions, 116 receiving yards

Kendre Miller is one of the more underrated running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class. The TCU product has flown under the radar due to the attention paid to other running backs, but his performance in college cannot be ignored. Miller is a well-rounded back with good size, vision, and speed. He’s an excellent one-cut runner with the ability to get upfield quickly, and he’s also capable of making defenders miss in tight spaces.

Miller’s strength lies in his ability to grind out tough yards and finish runs with power. He’s an ideal fit for an offense that needs a back capable of handling 15-20 touches per game. While he may not be as explosive as some of the more highly touted running backs in this class, Miller is a steady and reliable option who can contribute both on the ground and as a receiver.

If the Cowboys are looking for a running back in the later rounds, Miller could be a steal. He could step in as a rotational back behind Pollard and eventually take on a larger role as he develops in the NFL.