3 biggest concerns on the Cowboys' roster ahead of training camp

1. Running Back

Perhaps the biggest question mark on this roster, the running back position, will be unfairly blamed if Dallas has a poor season. Ezekiel Elliot returned to Dallas for essentially the vet minimum after one year in New England and was rightfully welcomed back with open arms. While this was a step in the right direction, it isn't enough to fill the void left by Tony Pollard.

Rico Dowdle seems like he will be battling Elliott the most for touches, but Dowdle likely would not be an RB1 if he was on any other team. His ability to miss tackles and sprinkle of quickness could surprise many, but it is still too uncertain to depend on him.

As for guys like Deuce Vaughn and Royce Freeman, they will not be factors. Vaughn has taken reps at wide receiver during practices and might make the switch to the position full-time. Freeman, on the other hand, has just 10 rushing touchdowns in his six NFL seasons.

Mike McCarthy has always preached the importance of a run game. But, with a 30-year-old Elliott and a handful of low upside-runners, the ground game could struggle next season. As a result, the offense's success will fall on Dak Prescott's shoulders once again, which is not ideal.

To make matters worse, Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz are no longer in Dallas, putting more pressure on the young linemen for protection.

On a brighter note, the 2025 class of running backs will be one of the best in decades. The Cowboys could look to improve this position then. This might be the only way the Cowboys get the running game back on track, but McCarthy might not even be here to see it come to fruition.

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