Cowboys add fireworks on offense in 7-round 2024 mock draft

Round 3, Pick 87: Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon

Tony Pollard was an explosive weapon for years in Dallas but the Cowboys decided to wait until he was coming off an injury to try and turn him into their No. 1 back. They also avoided adding anyone who could really help him carry the load. Unsurprisingly, his 2023 campaign was a major disappointment.

We don't know for sure if the issues with Pollard were due to his recovery or the struggles on the offensive line but chances are high that we won't get to see him try and rebound in Dallas. After making more than $10 million this past season, Pollard is set for free agency and unless he takes a hometown discount, Dallas will likely look elsewhere.

This should lead to the addition of a veteran back as well as a rookie. In this mock, they land a rookie who can change the momentum in a game with a single play in Bucky Irving from Oregon. Irving follows former teammate Jackson Powers-Johnson, who was chosen in Round 1, and should continue to find holes running behind him.

Blessed with elite speed and incredible vision, Irving had 1,593 yards and 13 touchdowns from scrimmage in 2023. A weapon as a runner and receiver, Irving averaged 6.5 yards per rushing attempt and 8.2 per reception in two seasons with the Ducks.

A player with his talent doesn't slide to Round 3 without concerns, however, and Irving has a couple. The primary knock is his size. Irving is 5-foot-9 and 190 pounds which leads to concerns about his long-term future. He also needs to improve as a pass blocker but if Dallas pairs him with a veteran who can work in a committee with him, there's no reason this pick won't lead to some exciting plays.