Why Cowboys should consider rising Alabama star over top RB prospect

Former Pro Bowl RB and NFL Network's Maurice Jones-Drew has Philadelphia selecting Robinson with the No. 10 pick and Dallas selecting Gibbs with the No. 26 pick in his recent mock draft. However, he believes the Cowboys are getting a better player.

"Many view Robinson as the top RB in the class, but Gibbs is my choice," Jones-Drew recently said on NFL Network.

Robinson is a fantastic prospect but so is Gibbs. According to NFL.com, he's the second-best RB in the 2023 class behind Robinson.

Gibbs ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the combine, faster than Robinson (4.46). He's a more adept pass-catcher, too. In 12 games last season, Gibbs caught 44 receptions for 444 yards. Robinson had 19 receptions for 314 yards in 12 games.

Per ESPN's Todd McShay, a weak wide receiver class increases Gibbs' value since many teams believe he can line up in the slot.

Therefore, the 21-year-old RB adds a viable threat to Dallas' passing game. Plus, he and Pro Bowl RB Tony Pollard, seventh in yards per carry (5.2) last season, could form a dynamic backfield tandem. 

"(Gibbs) and Pollard may have the same type of burst, the same type of game," Jones-Drew said. "Now you have one guy that can go the distance for 80 yards and another one that can take it from 80 yards out. It just put stress on a defense." 

To acquire Robinson, Dallas might have to trade up in the draft, a risky proposition. Gibbs might be available when Dallas makes its selection at No. 26. 

Perhaps the Cowboys should wait to select the Alabama RB since there may not be a gap between him and Robinson.