Sure! Here’s an in-depth exploration of the Dallas Cowboys’ 12th overall pick in the 2025 mock draft, where they make a “massive upgrade” at running back.
Introduction
The NFL draft is an annual event where teams rebuild and reshape their rosters to ensure success for the upcoming season. For teams like the Dallas Cowboys, every draft pick has the potential to either propel them toward a Super Bowl victory or set back their rebuilding efforts. In 2025, the Cowboys find themselves in a unique position at the 12th overall pick, with an opportunity to make a major splash in the draft and address a key area of need. While the team is stacked with talent on both sides of the ball, there’s one glaring hole on their roster that could be a game-changer if addressed properly: the running back position.
Over the last few seasons, the Cowboys’ running game has been a major focal point of their offensive scheme, particularly with the help of their superstar running back, Tony Pollard. However, Pollard has shown limitations in his ability to be an every-down back due to injuries and inconsistent play at times. As such, the Cowboys are poised to use the 12th pick to make a “massive upgrade” at running back, selecting a player who can not only revitalize their rushing attack but also provide a dynamic weapon in the passing game.
Why the Cowboys Need a Running Back Upgrade
The running back position is a critical component of the Cowboys’ offensive identity. The team’s success in recent seasons has been largely tied to their ability to establish the run, control the clock, and set up play-action for quarterback Dak Prescott. However, there have been issues that have caused the Cowboys’ running game to lose some of its luster.
1. Tony Pollard’s Limitations
While Pollard has proven to be a highly explosive and capable running back, his role as the primary ball carrier has raised questions. Pollard’s best role might be as a change-of-pace back who can provide a burst of speed and versatility in both the running and passing game. However, his injury history, particularly his struggles to stay healthy over the course of a full season, has made it clear that the Cowboys need a more reliable option in the backfield. Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance but has never quite established himself as a top-tier every-down back.
2. Lack of Depth
Behind Pollard, the Cowboys’ depth at running back is questionable. Rico Dowdle, the Cowboys’ backup running back, has had limited opportunities to showcase his skills and has not proven to be a consistent contributor in the running game. Additionally, the team’s other depth options have been inconsistent at best, leaving the Cowboys with a need to bolster their backfield through the draft. A “massive upgrade” is necessary to ensure the team doesn’t suffer from a lack of depth should Pollard go down with an injury.
3. The Evolution of the NFL Offense
The modern NFL is increasingly emphasizing the dual-threat running back who can be effective both on the ground and in the passing game. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs have shown the importance of dynamic running backs who can contribute to the aerial attack, opening up additional opportunities for explosive plays. The Cowboys need to adapt to this shift by selecting a running back who can make an immediate impact both as a rusher and a receiver.
The Impact of a “Massive Upgrade” at Running Back
A “massive upgrade” at running back would provide the Cowboys with several key advantages that would enhance their offensive game plan. Let’s break down the potential impact a high-caliber back could bring to the table.
1. Enhancing Dak Prescott’s Play-Action Game
One of Dak Prescott’s biggest strengths has been his ability to utilize play-action effectively. A strong and consistent running game gives Prescott more opportunities to sell play-action, making it more difficult for opposing defenses to predict his next move. With a new, more dynamic running back in the fold, the Cowboys’ ability to establish the run and make Prescott a threat in play-action situations will be significantly improved. Defenses will be forced to respect the running game, opening up more downfield opportunities for Prescott to attack with his arm.
2. Balancing the Offensive Attack
In today’s NFL, a balanced offensive attack is key to success. The Cowboys’ offensive identity has been somewhat dependent on the running game, with Pollard often being the focal point. But with a more explosive and capable running back alongside Pollard, the team can create a better balance between running and passing. This will give offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer the flexibility to run a more diverse playbook, making the offense harder to predict and more difficult for opposing defenses to stop.
3. Maintaining Fresh Legs
A dual-threat running back in the backfield would also allow the Cowboys to keep their primary ball carrier fresh throughout the season. This is particularly important for playoff contention, as the wear and tear on Pollard’s body could become a concern as the season progresses. Having another talented running back who can take on a larger workload during key moments will reduce the risk of injuries and ensure that the offense remains potent when it matters most.
4. Creating Mismatches with the Passing Game
The NFL has seen a rising trend of running backs being utilized as receiving threats out of the backfield. Players like Austin Ekeler, Christian McCaffrey, and Alvin Kamara have set the standard for what an all-around back should look like in today’s pass-heavy league. The Cowboys have been slow to fully integrate the passing game with their running backs, with Pollard being used primarily as a runner. By drafting a player with true receiving ability, the Cowboys could unlock an entirely new dimension to their offense, forcing defenses to account for the running back in the passing game and creating more opportunities for wide receivers and tight ends.
Analyzing Top Running Back Options for the 12th Pick
As the Cowboys aim for a “massive upgrade” at running back, the 2025 NFL Draft presents a talented class of running backs who could immediately step in and make an impact. Below are some of the top candidates the Cowboys could consider selecting with the 12th overall pick:
1. Braelon Allen (Wisconsin)
One of the most physically imposing running backs in the 2025 class, Braelon Allen has the combination of size, power, and speed that would make him an ideal fit for the Cowboys. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 235 pounds, Allen runs with authority and can break tackles with ease. His ability to churn out tough yards between the tackles would give the Cowboys a more physical presence in their running game. Additionally, Allen has shown promise as a pass-catcher, with solid hands out of the backfield. His skill set would complement Pollard’s explosive playstyle, creating a dynamic and dangerous one-two punch in the backfield.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)
Jahmyr Gibbs is one of the most versatile running backs in the 2025 draft class. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, Gibbs has elite speed and agility, making him a threat in both the running and passing game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield and create mismatches in the open field would make him an ideal fit in the Cowboys’ offense, where he could be utilized in a variety of ways. Gibbs would immediately bolster the Cowboys’ passing attack and provide them with a playmaking back who could stretch the field and create big plays from the backfield.
3. Zach Evans (Ole Miss)
Zach Evans is a well-rounded running back with excellent vision, burst, and power. At 6’0″ and 215 pounds, Evans is a physical runner who can break through arm tackles while also demonstrating the speed to hit the outside when needed. He has the ability to be a three-down back and could help solidify the Cowboys’ ground game while also contributing as a reliable pass-catching option. Evans’ all-around skill set would make him a natural fit for the Cowboys’ offensive scheme and provide Prescott with another weapon in the backfield.
4. Kendre Miller (TCU)
Kendre Miller is a powerful, downhill runner with the ability to dominate between the tackles. At 6’0″ and 220 pounds, Miller has the size and physicality to handle a heavy workload while also showcasing good vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage. While Miller isn’t as polished in the passing game as some of the other running backs in the class, his ability to grind out tough yards and keep the chains moving would be an invaluable asset to the Cowboys’ offense.
