Is a Longhorn the missing ingredient in Cowboys SB recipe?

Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson. Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Is a Texas Longhorn the missing ingredient in Cowboys Super Bowl recipe?

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 1/26/23

In his latest 2023 NFL mock draft, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. predicts the Cowboys will select Texas running back Bijan Robinson with the 26th pick, but is Robinson the missing ingredient in a championship recipe?

Drafting a QB or WR appears more logical. The Cowboys passing offense ranked 14th this season after trading star WR Amari Cooper to Cleveland. Quarterback Dak Prescott threw a career-high 15 interceptions in 12 games.

Dallas' rushing offense, mainly consisting of Tony Pollard and Ezekiel Elliott, rushed for 2,298 yards, eighth in the league.

Pollard is a free agent, but NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the team may use the franchise tag on Pollard. According to the Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken, Elliott wants to stay and is willing to take a pay cut.

Robinson, however, has star potential. He was a consensus All-American and recorded 104 broken tackles in 2022, a college record, per Pro Football Focus. In addition, Robinson's receiving ability makes him a rarity among RB prospects.

How did Bijan Robinson CATCH this?! pic.twitter.com/jY1H8fZqcn
— Kyle Yates (@KyleYNFL) December 16, 2022

When Alabama played Texas this past September, Robinson caught three passes for 73 yards, second on the team. In 2021, he was second on the team with four touchdown receptions.

According to PFF, Robinson averaged 2.14 yards per route on 83 career snaps lined out wide. 2022 first-rounder Saints WR Chris Olave averaged 2.29 yards per route in his final season at Ohio State.

"So he's more than a between-the-tackles runner. He could also take some of the pressure off Prescott," wrote Kiper Jr.

Prescott needs more reliable targets. Aside from CeeDee Lamb, no Cowboys WR hit the 600-yard mark.

Hybrid-RBs like San Francisco's Christian McCaffrey, third in yards from scrimmage (1,880 yards) this season, flourish in the modern game. Perhaps Dallas plans to mold Robinson into a similar player. The Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins reported he recently saw Robinson at the Cowboys facility.

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