Regardless of how the Cowboys’ running back situation unfolds for the rest of the season, even if Rico Dowdle retains the RB1 role, it’s likely the team will need to find a more long-term solution at the position.
Dowdle will be a free agent next offseason, as will Ezekiel Elliott. There’s no guarantee that the current backfield tandem will be in Dallas uniforms come 2025.
While Dowdle is a solid candidate to return, Elliott’s replacement will be a priority.
Given Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty is having a stellar season and is a top Heisman contender, the Cowboys may need to aim slightly lower in next year’s NFL Draft to find their future running back.
Enter Quinshon Judkins, the former Ole Miss star now playing at Ohio State, widely viewed as the No. 2 back in next year’s draft.
Though the Cowboys have multiple roster needs—defensive line, safety, wide receiver—they have a significant need at running back, and they should be willing to invest a high draft pick to address it.
Quinshon Judkins: ‘One of College Football’s Most Talented Ball-Carriers’
That’s the view from Bleacher Report, which recently suggested the Cowboys should target Judkins in next season’s draft. In an article titled “NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 6,” the site stated:
“Jerry Jones will likely look to add a running back during this year’s NFL Draft. The Ohio State product would be a great target, as he’s ranked second on B/R’s big board and has the potential to become a complete back at the next level.”
“Judkins is one of the most talented ball carriers in college football,” wrote B/R’s offensive skill positions scout Damian Parson. “At 215 pounds, he has an NFL-ready frame and contact balance to match. Judkins is a tough RB to bring down once he’s in the open field.”
College football fans are well aware of Judkins’ talent. He emerged as one of the sport’s top running backs at Ole Miss, rushing for 1,567 yards as a freshman and 1,158 yards as a sophomore, with a combined 34 touchdowns over two seasons.
Switching to Ohio State has raised Judkins’ profile, even if it hasn’t improved his numbers. He’s splitting carries at OSU but is still averaging 93.6 yards per game with five touchdowns in five games.
Cowboys Could Target Judkins in Round 2
It’s uncertain where exactly Judkins will land in the draft. If the Cowboys prioritize other positions in the first round, Judkins could still be available in the second round.
Pro Football Focus has Judkins ranked No. 31 overall, making him a borderline first-round pick and the No. 2 running back for 2025.
John Crumpler, an analyst with USA Today’s network, described Judkins as a “violent runner who consistently gains extra yardage after contact, keeps his feet moving, and regularly overpowers second-level defenders.”
