The Dallas Cowboys made a big move this offseason, acquiring another weapon for Dak Prescott by trading with the Pittsburgh Steelers for George Pickens. With Dallas’ passing attack already thriving with Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Jake Ferguson, Pickens is a player that could take the unit to another level. However, the passing attack going to another level in 2025 might be a must instead of a luxury.
The reason that’s the case is that the Cowboys’ run game might not be that strong. That reality was highlighted in a recent ESPN piece by Mike Clay, ranking every position group from each team across the league. Unfortunately, Dallas’ running back group was ranked the worst in the entire NFL.
ESPN ranks Cowboys as the worst running back unit in the NFL
Clay referred to Dallas’ running back room as the shakiest group of rushers in the league, detailing why it seemed like running back was a low-priority position for Dallas this offseason.
"Running back remained a low-priority position for Dallas this past offseason. Out is Rico Dowdle and in are Javonte Williams, Miles Sanders and Day 3 rookie Jaydon Blue. Williams has the highest ceiling, but the 25-year-old has struggled badly with efficiency since tearing his right ACL in 2022. Sanders was a nonfactor during two seasons in Carolina, though he showed some juice with 116 yards and two touchdowns in Week 18 last season. It's very possible fifth-rounder Blue sees some serious run as a rookie."Mike Clay (ESPN)
As Clay explained, the Cowboys have a group of guys, but they don’t have anyone who’s the guy. There’s hope that speedy rookie Jaydon Blue can emerge as a really good running back, but the excitement surrounding him could just be wishful thinking since fans already know what the two veterans are in the league.
If this group proves this ranking to be somewhat correct, and the Cowboys actually have a run game near the bottom of the league, Prescott and the passing game will be asked to carry the offense. If that happens, it’d be great if he and the pass catchers got help from the defense, but even that’s a question mark right now.