Cowboys Post-Combine 7-Round Mock Draft: Tyron Smith Replacement Arrives

Round 3, Pick 87: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

Back at it in Round 3, the Cowboys shift their attention again to the offensive side of the ball. This time, it's running back they target as they select Braelon Allen out of Wisconsin.

Dallas hits another need here as they find themselves needing a new starter. Once a position of strength, the Cowboys turned to Ezekiel Elliott from 2016 through 2022 as the starter. Once his production dropped lower than his pay warranted (or maybe a year or two after) he was let go.

That left Tony Pollard to be the lead back. Fans had been clamoring for this for years but the Cowboys waited until he was coming off a broken leg to give him his shot. Unsurprisingly, he wasn't great and isn't expected to return.

The good news is that they land someone here who can carry the load in Allen. A massive back, Allen stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 235 pounds. He's also just 20 years of age and won't turn 21 until January 2025.

Highly productive at Wisconsin, Allen is built to handle a full workload in the NFL. Dallas should have no problem running behind him as they could once again boast a power running game.