Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft: Finally Fixing the Ground Game

Round 2, Pick 56: Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas

As frustrating as it has been to watch the Cowboys ignore all available running backs, it's hard to be too upset. This is the same team that handed out one of the worst running back contracts in NFL history back in 2019. The worst part of their decision to pay Ezekiel Elliott that year was how brilliant they looked when they refused to pay DeMarco Murray in 2015.

That year, Darren McFadden came in and had more than 1,000 yards in just 10 starts. This season, however, they haven't even added a veteran who could potentially do what McFadden did. Instead, they're sitting here with Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn as their top options.

When the regular season kicks off, that can't be the depth chart. That's why they use their second pick in this mock draft on Jonathan Brooks from Texas. Easily the most complete back in this class, Brooks has the vision, speed, decisiveness, and power to be a perennial 1,000-yard back. But he also has a couple of questions.

The first centers around his health. Brooks suffered a torn ACL last season and while he's expected to be back by camp, the Cowboys have been burnt recently by players coming off ACL injuries. The second is his experience. Brooks has just one year of starting experience.

Dallas could elect to go with Trey Benson, who is a safer bet when it comes to health. But Brooks has so much more potential and could completely change the look of their ground game.

It would still be wise to get a veteran who could start if needed, but at least a rookie selected during Day 2 would provide them with a solid option.