While NFL free agency may be slowing down, the 2026 NFL draft is just weeks away, and the Dallas Cowboys could be one of many teams looking to bolster their offensive backfield by adding a running back from the collegiate ranks to their roster.
The biggest decision regarding the future of this backfield was made before free agency officially opened, as Javonte Williams and the Cowboys came to terms on a three-year, $24 million contract that sets him up to be RB1 moving forward. Retaining Williams was key for this front office, but what to do with the rest of the running back room remains up in the air.
As of this writing, the rushers behind Williams on the depth chart include Malik Davis, Jaydon Blue, Phil Mafah, and Israel Abanikanda. Of the bunch, Davis offers the most proven production, but even that is far from enough to make fans comfortable with him being the "next man up" for a team with playoff aspirations. Beyond that, Blue and Mafah are coming off rookie campaigns where the two combined for 43 carries, 147 yards, two touchdowns, and three receptions.
This is why it shouldn't be surprising in the slightest to see Dallas target the running back position at some point in the draft.
Cowboys Must Address RB Depth Behind Williams in 2026 NFL Draft
Despite owning a pair of first-round picks, fans shouldn't expect for Dallas to swing for the fences in hopes of landing former Notre Dame standout Jeremiyah Love, barring some unforeseen slide in the draft. Instead, those first-round selections should be focused more on the defensive side of things.
This is where prospects like Wake Forest Demon Deacons RB Demond Claiborne and Texas A&M Aggies RB EJ Smith could come into play. Some consider Claiborne to be a "sleeper" prospect due to his ability to contribute in the passing game and as a return man, in addition to carrying the ball.
Smith, a player who took part in the "Dallas Day" visit with the franchise, is another prospect being monitored by the front office and coaching staff. Despite his presence on their radar, it remains to be seen just how realistic an option Smith could ultimately be for the Cowboys.
If, for some reason, Dallas elects to focus on other areas of the roster during this month's draft, adding a veteran closer to the start of camp is also an option. The well is certainly drying up at this stage of the offseason, but free agent running backs looking for an opportunity after an injury, such as Joe Mixon or Najee Harris, remain available on the open market.
One way or another, the Cowboys will have several choices to consider when electing which path to take to build this running back room. There is still reason to have hope for second-year rushers Blue and Mafah, as well as evidence that Davis can get the job done in small sample sizes, but entering the 2026 campaign with just that group intact in the RB room would do Dallas more of a disservice than anything else.