The Dallas Cowboys have been looking for their next superstar feature running back for a while now. The team clearly held on to Ezekiel Elliott for too long. Tony Pollard was largely an inefficient disappointment in 2023. And based on their pre-draft visits, Jerry Jones isn't hiding the Cowboys' plans anymore. They're going to be selecting a feature running back. It's just a matter of selecting the right one.
According to multiple sources, but most notably Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Dallas Cowboys are set to host both Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas) and Trey Benson (RB, Florida State) over the next two days. Both are widely considered to be the top two running back prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Add #FSU RB Trey Benson to the list of big-time prospects visiting the #Cowboys today and tomorrow. https://t.co/5ViZyZqqRs
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 3, 2024
The Cowboys have already met with another massive feature back potential prospect in Audric Estime (a 5'11", 221 pound monster from Notre Dame). Now they're bringing in two more every-down running back prospects in Benson and Brooks.
Brooks is still recovering from his torn ACL in November, so he won't likely be pushing it physically in his visit this spring, but he reportedly is on pace to be ready for fall camp. However, he may not be truly 100% this season. The Cowboys may want to target Benson instead given their dire need for a difference maker right away at the position.
Benson did have his own knee injury and recovery a couple years ago, but has been fully healthy for a good while now. I talked with Benson at the NFL Combine about his recovery and how he's a more spectacular athlete now than he was even before.
Trey Benson tore his ACL, MCL, and meniscus before eventually transferring to Florida State.
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) March 2, 2024
Here he is talking thru recovery and how he’s faster than ever now.
Weighed in at 216 pounds today & should have one of the best Speed Scores at the #NFLCombine2024. pic.twitter.com/eSspr8xtZ0
Benson already ran a verified 4.5-second forty when he was in high school, but he's become an elite NFL-ready athlete since then that would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys now. Benson posted a 95th percentile Speed Score at the NFL Combine when he ran a 4.39-second forty-yard dash at 216 pounds.
Again at the NFL Combine, Benson talked through his play style, speed, and elusiveness with me. He joked that some of his college teammates called him Forrest Gump because "he just runs" and ends up burning defenders left and right.
Trey Benson is awesome.
— Travis May (@FF_TravisM) March 2, 2024
Confirms he’ll be doing all on-field drills and played around 218 pounds last fall.
Here he is talking about his elusiveness, speed, and being called Forrest Gump for his running style. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/rO0yEKRDlM
Trey Benson's speed, elusiveness, and elite explosive run rate are just what the Dallas Cowboys need. If his visit goes well, expect the Cowboys to select Benson as early as pick 56 in the NFL Draft.
Be looking for more NFL Draft and Dallas Cowboys coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
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