Reporter names favorite for Cowboys RB2 slot

Tony Pollard is the clear RB1 in Dallas after rushing for 1,007 yards in 16 games in 2022, yet the Cowboys must find a backfield partner that assumes Ezekiel Elliott's role from last season. 

Dallas has three candidates who could serve as RB2: Malik Davis, Deuce Vaughn and Ronald Jones II. 

"The favorite right now is Davis, but maybe Vaughn will pick up right where he left off at Kansas State and emerge as a sixth-round steal," wrote Jon Machota of The Athletic.

Davis' status as the favorite makes sense since he's 24 and flashed potential during his rookie season despite a small sample size. In 12 games, he rushed for 161 yards on 38 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.

Jones II has never rushed for 1,000 yards in five seasons, while Vaughn might lack the size (5-foot-6, 176 pounds) to make it as a prototypical RB and could fill another offensive niche instead.

The Cowboys shouldn't rule out adding another RB before training camp, though. Talented veterans, such as three-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook, are available. 

Dallas shouldn't eliminate the possibility of re-signing Elliott, either. Even though he's lost some elusiveness, he's still an effective power back who tied for fifth in rushing TDs last season (12 in 15 games).

Regardless, the Cowboys must solidify RB2 to maintain their potent rushing attack, which finished eighth in yards last season. Especially with head coach Mike McCarthy wanting to rely on the ground game more. 

"I want to run the damn ball," he said during the NFL Scouting Combine, via The Athletic's Jon Machota.

Dallas either needs one of its backs to emerge as a viable option or look elsewhere to find a complementary back for its offense.