Best Available RBs for Cowboys on Day 3 of NFL Draft: Braelon Allen, Jaylen Wright among Dallas' top options

Nick Brinkerhoff

Best Available RBs for Cowboys on Day 3 of NFL Draft: Braelon Allen, Jaylen Wright among Dallas' top options image

The Cowboys entered Day 2 with questions at running back. They left Day 2 with more questions than answers.

As rumors swirl around a potential reunion with Ezekiel Elliott, the common belief was that Dallas would add some backfield help during the second or third round of the 2024 NFL Draft. It's no secret that this running back class isn't the most glamorous, but necessity can sometimes help boost those players up the board.

That wasn't the case for the Cowboys, who watched four running backs hear their names called on Friday night.

Now they find themselves with a depth chart that is currently headlined by Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn. While they're serviceable players, there is no doubt that Cowboys fans probably have a little more appreciation for Tony Pollard, who bolted for the Titans in free agency. 

With a gaping hole in Dallas' depth chart, it's a mystery as to which direction they'll decide to go in on Saturday. Here's everything you need to know about why the Cowboys were shut out of the running back market and what players they could potentially select on Day 3.

SN's NFL DRAFT HQ
Live tracker | Pick-by-pick grades | Top 250 big board

Why didn't the Cowboys draft an RB on Day 2?

For many draft evaluators, Texas' Jonathan Brooks found himself as the top-ranked RB in the draft. Considering how Jerry Jones talked about him before Round 2 kicked off, we are led to believe that was probably the case in Dallas, too.

"In 30 years, I thought it was the best interview I've ever had with a player. [Brooks] is outstanding," Jones said, per Cowboys.com. "We got him high, high, high (on our board). He’s a good player."

With their first pick of Day 2 not coming until No. 56, it was curious why Jones would offer up that kind of information given the team's need. As the story goes, the Panthers would then move up to select Brooks at No. 46, officially ending the Cowboys' dream of keeping the former Longhorn in-state.

The story of the night appeared to be how Dallas' board played out. With other needs and a seemingly higher grade on those prospects, the Cowboys kicked the can down the road.

MORE: NFL Draft Day 2 winners & losers 2024

Dallas would instead use their second-rounder to take Western Michigan EDGE Marshawn Kneeland, opting for more of a luxury than necessity. While they did have to find some reinforcement along the defensive line, it was a common belief that other needs would be addressed first.

After using both picks in Round 3 to add to the offensive line and linebacker's room, the Cowboys essentially ensured they won't be looking to fix the RB issue until at least Round 5.

With just five picks left (No. 174, 216, 233, 244), Dallas will need to trade up if they want their pick of the remaining litter. 

While Elliott could prove to be a fine stopgap, it's unlikely the team will feel comfortable turning to him as RB1 just one year after his unceremonious exit. The RB was a solid role player for the Patriots at times as both a runner and receiver, but the Cowboys still need a serious injection of youth. 

With some intriguing options on the board for Day 3, the Cowboys will have to navigate their lack of early picks to secure what could be a potential starter for next season.

MORE: Here are top 2024 NFL Draft prospects remaining for Rounds 4-7

Best Available RBs on Day 3

While the Cowboys missed out on some of the more polished options at running back on Day 2, there are still plenty of players on the board heading into Day 3. Here are the best available running backs left and where they ranked on SN's Vinnie Iyer's top-10 for the position:

Player School RB Ranking
Braelon Allen Wisconsin 3
Jaylen Wright Tennessee 5
Bucky Irving Oregon 6
Audric Estime Notre Dame 8
Ray Davis Kentucky 9
Will Shipley Clemson 10

Allen is one of the more interesting names still out there, so it's no surprise that he's at the top. The former Wisconsin Badger has a bruising style that shined during his breakout year in 2022. While he took a step back in 2023, the 20-year-old could be the perfect flier to take on Day 3.

He won't find his way in on passing downs, but Allen won't have to play that role with Dowdle already in the fold. He could end up with an early-down role on a Cowboys team that will want to be a little more physical in 2024.

If Dallas wants to play with more speed and explosiveness, then Wright is the guy to target in a potential trade-up. The former Volunteer turned in a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and brings big-play potential to the table. 

Considering he's a fine option in the passing game, Wright could be the more well-rounded target to don the famous star.

While options are aplenty, leaving Day 3 without even a potential answer to their biggest question would be a complete disaster for the Cowboys. Look for them to tackle the position as early as possible on Saturday.

Nick Brinkerhoff

Nick Brinkerhoff Photo

Nick Brinkerhoff is a content producer at The Sporting News covering the NFL, NBA and other sports. A proud New Jerseyan, Nick is also a graduate of Rutgers University. He is always in the mood for a good joke, the day’s best bets, or a debate about the mediocrity of the New York sports scene.