Cowboys 7-round 2024 NFL Mock Draft after losing Tyron Smith

Round 3, Pick 87: Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin

Tony Pollard was able to return to his home state as the Memphis product signed a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans. The average on his contract is $8 million per season which is fair if he can provide the production he showed prior to 2023. However, given the drop-off during his final season in Dallas, it was the right move to let him walk.

Right now, the frustration centers around the lack of a replacement. The Cowboys have Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis at this point. But there's no way they go into the regular season with those two as their top backs. They could still re-sign Rico Dowdle and there are some capable players still available in free agency — however, those would all be options for a committee approach.

That means running back will remain a need as they enter the draft. Fortunately, they land someone in this mock who could be exactly what this offense has been missing.

Braelon Allen enters the draft as one of the more impressive-looking backs in the class. Built like Aaron Donald in running back form, Allen is 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds. As a 17-year-old true freshman, Allen bulldozed his way to 1,268 yards and 12 touchdowns. He finished his three-year career with the Badgers by racking up 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns. What's most shocking is that he enters the draft at just 20 years of age — and won't turn 21 until Jan. 2025.

His lack of long speed hurts his stock which is how he winds up in Round 3. But Dallas has had speed at running back. They need a bruiser to soften up defenses and that's what Allen provides.