NFC Contender Dallas Cowboys could sign touchdown machine Wisconsin running back Draft Prospect Braelon Allen in this year’s NFL Draft. The Cowboys weren’t active in the free-agent running back market this year but they have the opportunity to use the Draft to find one. Dallas is still looking for their RB1 after Tony Pollard left to sign with the Tennessee Titans this offseason. However, one analyst has the Dallas Cowboys selecting Allen in the third round with the No. 87 overall pick.
It’s safe to say that the Cowboys will need to build the running back room from the ground up so they may pick their flavor in the middle rounds. Dallas re-signed Rico Dowdle to a one-year deal but they only have Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis in their depth. None of them are proven starters, but the Wisconsin Product could be the answer. Allen is among the names that the Cowboys have met along with Trey Benson and Jonathon Brooks.
No matter who they select, they have to be strategic with whom they select to make it count. Dallas only has seven picks this year and the majority of them are in the last three rounds. The good news is that most quality running backs will be available on day two of the NFL Draft. Additionally, they may consider adding a veteran to complement the new draftee this offseason.
However, Allen’s rarity makes him a hidden gem in this year’s draft as the “tank” this offseason with a build of 6’2” and 245 pounds. He could be capable enough to answer the red zone issues the Cowboys are having with his size. His signing could indicate that the Ezekiel Elliott reunion won’t happen after all.
NFC Contender Dallas Cowboys Could Sign Touchdown Machine Draft Prospect Braelon Allen
His Hidden Talent Could Intrigue the Team
Although he didn’t put on an impressive NFL Combine, he still was able to put on an illustrious career in college. Allen posted 35 touchdowns in three years at Wisconsin so he’s the type to find his way in the end zone. The playmaker notched double-digit touchdowns in all three seasons with the Badgers. He also recorded 181 carries for 984 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 5.4 yards per rush in 11 appearances.
There’s no question of what his impact can bring to the Cowboys are struggling with size this past season. Letting go of Elliott hurt the team one way or another after prioritizing Pollard last year. However, Allen has unfortunately similar characteristics to Elliott with the fumbles that he’s been having. It’s not a good sign heading to the league but it allows the Cowboys to grab him to fix those miscues.
However, Wisconsin has been known for producing top-level star running backs like Jonathan Taylor and Melvin Gordon. Allen is still projected to earn a starting role with a team this season. He’s still receiving praise for his size, vision and acceleration heading into the 2024 NFL Draft.
He Could Have a Bright Future
Wherever Allen goes, he will have a bright future whoever decides to pick him. According to a source, he’s been compared to Packers A.J. Dillon and could be an RB3 but still has the chance to be a starter. Allen probably needs time to get adjusted to a new offense which the Cowboys are probably expecting. His size, strength and style could make him explode with another more explosive back.
More must-reads: