ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay revealed that the Dallas Cowboys are “obsessed” with Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson, and hinted at a shocking move.
This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys reassessed their offense, and determined that running back Tony Pollard was worth keeping around on the franchise tag, and that it was time to move on from Ezekiel Elliott and his contract. With that, the team has an obvious need at running back, and it’s well known that this is an organization that loves having a top-tier player at the position. It appears that the team has fallen in love with one NFL Draft prospect to fill the void left by Elliott.
During an appearance on” The Dan Patrick Show” on Monday, ESPN NFL Draft expert Todd McShay revealed that the Cowboys are “obsessed” with Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson.
“Dallas is obsessed with getting a running back that can be their guy, be a complement to Tony Pollard, like they had with Zeke when Zeke was closer to his prime,” McShay said, h/t CowboysWire. “Mike McCarthy is dying for a big power back like that, wants to run the football. They want to be a run-based team, and they would love to bring the Texas star into Dallas and make him the star of their offense.”
But how obsessed are the Cowboys with Robinson? How about trading up into the middle of the first-round to select him. McShay said a move like that wouldn’t surprise him.
ESPN’s Todd McShay says Cowboys are ‘obsessed with Bijan Robinson, doesn’t rule out trade up to select RB
“Dallas is sitting at 26,” McShay said, h/t CowboysWire. “It wouldn’t shock me if they made a splash, jumped up into the teens, ahead of teams like Detroit and the Chargers and went and got Bijan, maybe around 14, 15, 16.”
That would certainly be a move that will irritate Cowboys fans and those who believe running backs are not worth trading up into the middle of the first round to select him. While running backs are seen as replaceable early due to the physical nature of the position, Robinson is easily a top-five talent in the entire class.
Since making his collegiate debut in 2020, he has gotten better each year, with his final season at Texas being one where he put up video game-type numbers on the stat sheet. On 258 carries, Robinson picked up 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. That’s right, he picked up an average of 6.1 yards per carry. Not to mention that he also caught 19 passes for 314 yards and two touchdowns.
In his three years overall, Robinson recorded a total of 3,410 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns on 539 carries, and 60 receptions for 805 yards and eight touchdowns.
With the way the running back market is now, teams do not want to give players at that position the type of contract that the Cowboys gave Elliott not to long ago. That is evidenced by the New York Giants’ impasse with Saquon Barkley and the Los Angeles Chargers allowing Austin Ekeler to seek a trade. The easiest way to address the position without committing a bunch of money is through the NFL Draft, and Robinson is easily the top player at his position.
The Cowboys like Robinson, but would they actually trade draft assets to ensure they get him? Or will they sit at 26 and see if he’s available. Cowboys fans, what are your thoughts?
