Dallas Cowboys’ Storied History of Dominant Running Backs
For the Dallas Cowboys, a consistent, reliable running game has been a hallmark of their success. Throughout the franchise’s 65-year history, the Cowboys have consistently featured a workhorse running back, a player the team could rely on for multiple seasons to carry the offensive load.
Decades of Star Power in the Cowboys’ Backfield
Nearly 48 and a half of those 65 seasons have seen the Cowboys boast a true “franchise” running back. Starting with Don Perkins in the 1960s and continuing thru Ezekiel Elliott’s recent stints, the Cowboys have enjoyed remarkable stability and production at the position.
A Look at the Cowboys’ Feature Backs Through the Years
- Don Perkins (1961-1968): Perkins starred for eight seasons, earning a place in the Cowboys’ Ring of Honor.
- Calvin Hill (1969-1974): Hill’s promising career was cut short after six seasons by an offer from the World Football League.
- Tony Dorsett (1977-1987): An 11-year career resulted in both Ring of Honor and hall of Fame enshrinement for Dorsett.
- Herschel Walker (1986-1989): While only playing 3.5 seasons in his first stint,Walker’s trade to the Minnesota Vikings yielded valuable draft picks for the Cowboys.
- emmitt smith (1990-2002): Smith spent 13 seasons becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher, earning his place in the Ring of Honor and the Hall of Fame.
- Ezekiel Elliott (2016-2022, 2024): Elliott led the league in rushing three times during his initial seven-year run with the team and returned briefly in 2024.
Beyond the Headliners: Other Notable Cowboys running Backs
While the Cowboys have relied on those six mainstays for a important portion of their history, other backs have contributed meaningfully. duane Thomas, despite his short tenure, led the team in rushing twice. Marion Barber also had a productive six-year career. DeMarco Murray had two 1,000-yard seasons,including a franchise-record 1,845 yards in 2014.
These backs demonstrate the Cowboys’ consistent focus on a strong running game, making it a key component of their success over the years.
With the 2025 NFL Draft approaching on April 24,the Dallas Cowboys face a critical need to bolster their running back corps. After seeing Rico Dowdle depart for Carolina and Ezekiel Elliott nearing retirement, the Cowboys must find a reliable option to complement their passing game.
While veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders were signed to one-year deals as stop-gap solutions, the long-term future of the position remains uncertain. Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, and Malik Davis represent unproven commodities, making the upcoming draft a prime opportunity to secure a potential franchise running back.
Cowboys Eye Early Round Running Back in 2025 NFL Draft
The Cowboys should prioritize drafting a running back within the first three rounds of the draft,according to sources. This approach aligns with the team’s history of investing in the position and avoiding a reliance on a “running back by committee” approach.
Embracing a Physical, Run-Effective Offense
The emphasis should be on establishing a physical, run-effective offense, reminiscent of the “Marty Ball” philosophy. This doesn’t necessitate a run-oriented scheme but rather a balanced attack that keeps defenses honest and complements quarterback dak Prescott’s passing prowess.
The Impact of a Strong Running Game
The importance of a strong running game cannot be overstated. Last season, seven of the top 10 rushers, all exceeding 1,122 yards, played for playoff teams.Examples include Saquon Barkley’s impact on the eagles’ Super Bowl run and Derrick Henry’s bruising performances in the AFC.
Learning from Past Draft Experiences
The Cowboys reportedly attempted to draft a running back in the previous year’s draft, but their preferred targets were selected before their picks. by the fifth round, none of the remaining backs met their evaluation standards. This year, the team aims to be more proactive in addressing the position early in the draft.
Dallas Cowboys’ Draft Strategy: Running Back a Real Possibility?
With the NFL Draft approaching, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves with needs across multiple positions, including running back. while some may dismiss drafting a running back early, the Cowboys’ history and the position’s evolving value suggest it’s a legitimate option.
Cowboys Eye Deep Running Back draft Class
This year’s draft boasts a considerable number of talented running backs, potentially making it an opportune time for the cowboys to address the position. In the first three rounds, several backs could be selected, including Boise State‘s Ashton Jeanty and other prospects from major programs.
Stephen Jones Hints at Potential Trade
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones indicated the team might consider trading back slightly to maximize their draft position and acquire additional picks. This strategy could allow them to still land a targeted player while gaining valuable assets.
Beyond Running Back: Cowboys’ Draft Needs abundant
The Cowboys have needs at wide receiver, defensive end, defensive tackle, and cornerback, making this a crucial draft for the team’s future success. Addressing these positions in the early rounds remains a priority.
First Round Running Back: A Viable Strategy?
Despite the perception that running backs shouldn’t be drafted in the first round, teams like the Detroit Lions have found success with the strategy. The Cowboys themselves have a history of drafting impactful running backs in the first round, including Emmitt Smith and Ezekiel elliott.
Dream Scenario: Jeanty Falls to Cowboys
Ashton jeanty is a particularly attractive prospect for the Cowboys. Acquiring him, even through a slight trade-up, could significantly bolster their running game. Running backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have helped re-establish the value of the position in recent years.
Running Back Draft Trends
It’s worth noting that running backs have become less frequently selected early in the draft. Ki-Jana Carter was the last running back drafted No.1 back in 1995. Last year, no running back was selected in the first round. Barkley, drafted No. 2 overall in 2018, represents the highest selection for a running back in recent memory.
Ashton Jeanty makes Bold Case for Himself to NFL GMs
Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, a highly touted prospect in the upcoming NFL draft, is taking an unconventional approach to sway general managers.He penned a letter to every NFL team, published on The Players Tribune, passionately arguing why his unique mindset and drive make him a top-tier selection, despite the evolving value of the running back position.
“born to do This”: Jeanty’s Confident Declaration
Jeanty’s letter culminates with a bold declaration, emphasizing his unwavering belief in his abilities. He states, “I truly believe I was born to do this. And I truly believe what makes me different – it isn’t about the position I line up at. It’s about the mindset I bring to it.” He further illustrates his competitive fire, likening his approach to the game to a childhood game of “no one can touch me,” underscoring his elusiveness and determination.
Jeanty Aims for Immediate Impact, Cites saquon Barkley, Eagles’ Success
Jeanty doesn’t shy away from setting lofty expectations. He directly addresses potential teams, asserting his intention to replicate the success of players like Saquon barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles, vowing, “If you pick me, it’s simple: I’m coming to your franchise to do what Saquon and the Eagles just did. I’m coming to win, big, soon.” his message is clear: he’s not just looking to be drafted; he’s aiming to be a game-changer.
“Draft the Guy They can’t Tackle”
Jeanty’s closing argument is a succinct call to action: ”It’s TACKLE football… you no what I’m saying? I’d draft the guy they can’t tackle.” This statement encapsulates his value proposition – a player whose elusiveness and determination make him a constant threat, regardless of the defensive scheme.
draft Position: Uncertainty Remains
While jeanty’s self-promotion is noteworthy, his potential draft position remains uncertain. While the Dallas Cowboys, for example, may have interest, selecting him with their No. 12 pick may be a long shot, teams often find value at running back in later rounds, choosing instead to address positions with less depth in the early rounds. Ultimately, the draft is unpredictable, and Jeanty’s fate remains to be seen.
Here are two PAA (Predictive Analytics Assessment) related questions based on the provided text, each on a new line:
Dallas cowboys’ Storied History of Dominant Running Backs
The Dallas Cowboys have a rich history of success, with a strong running game being a key component. Over the team’s 65-year history, they’ve consistently relied on workhorse running backs.
Decades of Star Power in the Cowboys’ Backfield
For nearly 48 and a half seasons, the Cowboys have had a “franchise” running back. From Don Perkins in the 1960s to Ezekiel Elliott’s recent stint, the team has enjoyed remarkable stability and production at the position.
A Look at the cowboys’ Feature Backs Through the Years
- Don Perkins (1961-1968): Starred for eight seasons.
- Calvin Hill (1969-1974): Promising career cut short after six seasons.
- Tony Dorsett (1977-1987): 11-year career, Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame.
- Herschel Walker (1986-1989): 3.5 seasons in his first stint; trade yielded valuable draft picks.
- emmitt Smith (1990-2002): NFL’s all-time leading rusher, Ring of Honor and Hall of Fame.
- Ezekiel Elliott (2016-2022, 2024): Led the league in rushing three times.
Beyond the headliners: Other Notable Cowboys Running backs
Other backs have contributed meaningfully, including Duane Thomas, Marion Barber, and DeMarco Murray.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys need to bolster their running back corps, especially with rico Dowdle departing and Ezekiel Elliott nearing retirement.
The team signed veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders to one-year deals.Deuce Vaughn, Hunter Luepke, and Malik Davis are unproven, making the draft a prime opportunity.
Cowboys Eye Early round Running Back in 2025 NFL Draft
The Cowboys should prioritize drafting a running back within the first three rounds, aligning with their history of investing in the position.
Embracing a Physical, Run-Effective offense
The emphasis should be on establishing a physical, run-effective offense to complement Dak prescott’s passing.
The Impact of a Strong Running Game
A strong running game is crucial. Last season, seven of the top 10 rushers played for playoff teams.
Learning from Past Draft Experiences
The Cowboys aim to be more proactive in addressing the position early in the draft after missing out on their preferred targets in the previous year.
Dallas Cowboys’ Draft Strategy: Running Back a Real Possibility?
The Cowboys have needs at running back and other positions. Drafting a running back early is a legitimate option given the team’s history and the position’s value.
Cowboys Eye Deep Running Back Draft Class
This year’s draft has a considerable number of talented running backs, including Ashton Jeanty.
Stephen Jones Hints at Potential Trade
The team might consider trading back to maximize their draft position.
Beyond Running Back: Cowboys’ Draft Needs Abundant
Other needs include wide receiver, defensive end, defensive tackle, and cornerback.
First round Running Back: A Viable Strategy?
The Cowboys have a history of drafting impactful running backs in the first round.
Dream Scenario: Jeanty Falls to Cowboys
Ashton Jeanty is an attractive prospect for the Cowboys.
Running Back Draft Trends
Running backs are being selected less frequently early in the draft.
Ashton Jeanty Makes Bold case for Himself to NFL GMs
boise state running back Ashton Jeanty is taking an unconventional approach to sway general managers.
“Born to Do This”: jeanty’s Confident Declaration
Jeanty emphasizes his belief in his abilities and his competitive fire.
Jeanty Aims for Immediate Impact, Cites Saquon Barkley, Eagles’ Success
Jeanty wants to replicate the success of players like Saquon Barkley and the eagles.
“Draft the Guy They Can’t Tackle”
Jeanty’s value proposition is a player whose elusiveness makes him a constant threat.
Draft Position: Uncertainty Remains
Jeanty’s potential draft position is uncertain.
frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which running backs have had the most significant impact for the Cowboys?
A: Emmitt Smith, Tony Dorsett, and Ezekiel Elliott have been the most impactful, earning places in the Ring of Honor and, in Smith and Dorsett’s cases, the Hall of Fame.
Q: What is the Cowboys’ strategy for the 2025 NFL Draft regarding the running back position?
A: The Cowboys are likely to prioritize drafting a running back in the first three rounds to address their need, especially with the departure of rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott approaching retirement.
Q: Who is Ashton Jeanty,and why is he a notable prospect?
A: Ashton Jeanty is a Boise State running back. He is a highly touted prospect, known for his elusiveness and confident approach, which he highlighted in a letter to NFL teams. The Cowboys are potentially interested in drafting him.
Q: What draft trends affect the value of running backs?
A: Running backs are being selected less frequently early in the draft. The last running back selected No. 1 overall was Ki-Jana Carter in 1995.
Q: How does a strong running game benefit a team?
A: A strong running game helps balance the offense, keeps defenses honest, and can be a key factor in a team’s success. Last season, many playoff teams had top rushers.
Q: What is the “Marty Ball” philosophy mentioned in the article?
A: “Marty Ball” refers to a philosophy of establishing a physical, run-effective offense. It’s not necessarily run-oriented but aims for a balanced attack.
Q: What other positions are the Cowboys looking to address in the draft?
A: Besides running back,the Cowboys have needs at wide receiver,defensive end,defensive tackle,and cornerback.
Trivia: The Cowboys drafted Emmitt Smith in 1990.He went on to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher and helped the Cowboys win three Super Bowls in the 1990s.
Action: Keep an eye on the 2025 NFL Draft to see if the Cowboys will add another chapter to their history of dominant running backs.
