The Landry Hat
Fansided

3 players the Cowboys should trade up for in the 2023 draft

By Maitland Rutledge

TEMPE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Utah Utes catches a 29-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
TEMPE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 24: Tight end Dalton Kincaid #86 of the Utah Utes catches a 29-yard touchdown reception against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the first half of the NCAAF game at Sun Devil Stadium on September 24, 2022 in Tempe, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Bijan Robinson
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – NOVEMBER 19: Running back Bijan Robinson #5 of the Texas Longhorns runs against safety O.J. Burroughs #5 and defensive lineman Malcolm Lee #99 of the Kansas Jayhawks first half at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on November 19, 2022 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

1. Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas

Yes this sounds like a broken record. When Ezekiel Elliott continued to decline in 2022 and Tony Pollard firmly established himself as the go-to back, everyone began thinking about replacements for Dallas’ backup running back spot. The Cowboys did sign two-time Super Bowl champion Ronald Jones to a one-year deal. However, it is still just a one-year contract and the team still needs to work out a long-term deal with Pollard, who signed the franchise tag. If neither of them are able to be brought back, drafting a running back this year would pay off.

Robinson as a Cowboy would make sense as Dallas is always willing to consider prospects fresh out of the most recognizable college programs in and out of the state. The former Longhorn rushed for a college career-high 1,580 yards and 18 touchdowns. His mix of speed and power could translate well to a Dallas offense that still needs a back that can be tough between the tackles. In ways Robinson reminds some of Elliott, making him an ideal replacement.

Mel Kiper Jr. recently released his two-round mock draft with Robinson going to the Detroit Lions at pick 18. Most experts are predicting Robinson to not be on the board when the draft hits the 20s, putting Dallas on the outside looking in based on that scenario. If the Cowboys want Robinson that bad, some big compensation would have to be handed to teams in the 15 to 20 range. That could include a starter or a handful of future picks.

Dallas got plenty of production out of Elliott for drafting him fourth overall in 2016. However, based on his decline and the amount of money thrown at him in 2019, it was another warning towards other teams to not value running backs too high in today’s game. The same can be said about Robinson’s value.

Even an 18th overall projection is high, but he will arguably be the first running back to come off the board on Thursday night. If the Cowboys want to go “all in” and also consider their future at the running back position, trading up to draft Robinson seems like a good idea.

Home/Cowboys Draft