Honestly, the reason I don't think it's wise to take Bijan Robinson isn't because he's not good, it's because this draft is especially talented and has a really deep pool of players to draft from.
There's a ton of good backs that can be had this draft all the way up until the 6th round, I'd say. As in, with a good offensive line, you can get comparable production out of some of the backs projected to be taken with the later round picks, presumably.
I'd say Bijan Robinson is a tier 1 back. So, I'm not going to decide where to take him. For my purposes, that is unimportant. I would just like guys who can be considerably better than what we have in Zeke, and possibly hang with a healthy Tony Pollard's level. Plus, I would like to pick up a top talent to play another position, any position.
So, of course, it starts with Robinson.
But here are some backs I can see us drafting.
Teir 2
Isreal Abinikanda - (my 2023 pet cat at RB). Dude has some sick acceleration speed at the 2nd level. Great vision and energy as a player too. Abinikanda has some Tony Pollard to his game, but is more likely to beat you missing as he moves straight ahead. To me, Abinikanda could be the steal of the draft.
Zach Evans - Reminds me of a shorter, thicker, quicker Marcus Allen.
Sean Tucker - Comparable style to Priest Holmes, imo.
Devon Achane (contingent upon drafting a 2nd back, this draft) Achane reminds me of a Warrick Dunn, complimentary type back with Olympic-level speed.
Zach Charbonnet - Remember Demarco Murray; that'd be a fair comp for this player. Has legitimate speed, but relies more on overall body strength. With Achane, I can see him playing some slot and sometimes lining up as a receiver. He definitely has the speed, so that would depend on his ability to learn routes.
Blake Corum - Corum reminds me of Emmit Smith. He won't ever beat Emmitt's running record (which owner in their right mind would sacrifice the team for a single player), but he's that same type of back. Short, stocky, and shifty enough to make you miss.. all while being more difficult to take down than most guys standing at 5'8''.
Jahmyr Gibbs - So, I'm comparing players here, and Gibbs reminds me of a Marshall Faulk type of player. He's as good of a runner as some mentioned above, but he's also a threat in the passing game, which I think the Cowboys would be wise to consider since Dak needs all the help he can get.
Dewayne McBride - McBride reminds me of former Cowboy Joseph Randle, but without the CTE (knock on wood). One cut back, who can devastate after
the first cut.
Tank Bigsby - Bigsby doesn't have the breakaway speed and quick step quickness I like to see, but he's got the skills to be a rotational back at the next level. Just don't see him being your bell cow because he lacks the overall elements it takes to be an every down back. That said, if he's ever able to put it all together, Bigsby could be a force.
Kenny McIntosh - the Cowboys were reportedly on McIntosh's jock at he Sr. Bowl, so we have to assume he's a potential target. He's got a strong running game, but really stands out on tape in the passing game, which I think is important to Dallas in order to add another element to Dak's game.
Kendre Miller - doesn't look to have the breakaway speed of, say, Abinikanda, nor does he run with the same force, but he does find a way to get yards with his slippery evasive style and adequate speed. Likes to bounce outside at times, and has success doing it.
Roschon Johnson - Another back who could be a steal in this draft, partly because Robinson has likely stolen some of his draft thunder. But Johnson is good in his own right. Started his career as a QB, so he could be your flex RB/QB on the gameday roster, if push came to shove. But his experience gives him a unique view of the field and how he uses angles. Couple that with his athletic measurables, and he's in the same conversation as most backs in this draft not named Robinson.
Honorable mentions:
Eric Gray
Keaton Mitchell
Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Deuce Vaughn (no relation to Stevie Ray)
Mohammad Ibrahim
Jalen White
Tyjae Spears
