Top RB, WR Prospects Cowboys Must Prioritze in 2024 NFL Draft

The Dallas Cowboys offense couldn't keep up with the Green Bay Packers in the game that mattered the most last season.

The box score stats don't necessarily reflect that. The Cowboys ended up with 32 points and Dak Prescott threw for over 400 yards in a Wild Card round loss to the Packers. But the offense put up just seven points and the Cowboys trailed 27-7 at half before the Cowboys had some empty calorie stats to close out the game.

So even before you account for losses this offseason, the Cowboys could have used some more skill players to share the play-making load. Now, they've lost Tony Pollard and Michael Gallup.

There are other pressing needs on the Cowboys roster, but finding real replacements for those two should also be a consideration in the draft.

Considering the Cowboys other needs, they likely won't address the need with the 24th pick. The 56th and 87th selections could be in play.

Here, we'll take a look at three prospects who could fit into the Cowboys offense and will possibly be available with one of their Day 2 picks.

RB Trey Benson, Florida State

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Trey Benson

The Cowboys haven't really made a move to replace Tony Pollard. They re-signed Rico Dowdle to a one-year contract. They also have Malik Davis and Deuce Vaughn returning.

While each of those players could carve out specific role, they don't really have the all-terrain vehicle to be the lead back in their committee. Even if they plan on playing multiple backs, there's usually still a lead back who will get the majority of the early-down work.

Trey Benson could fill that role. The 6'0", 216-pound back has the speed to break off big runs if he gets free. He showed off that speed with a 4.39 40 at the combine, but he's more than just a speedster.

B/R scout Derrik Klassen concludes his scouting report of the Florida State back by concluding that, "Benson isn't a perfect back, but he's a tough, explosive runner who continues to improve his vision and has useful pass-catching traits. That's a recipe for success at the NFL level."

Benson offers a combination of physicality, pass-catching and big play speed that should offer something that's closer to 2022 Tony Pollard than the veteran was able to bring to the table in 2023.

With Dowdle working as the battering ram and Deuce Vaughn profiling as a third-down specialist, Benson is a good complement to lead the backfield in 2024.

RB Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

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Jaylen Wright

How early they draft a running back and what kind of back that they draft depends on how they view Rico Dowdle.

If they re-signed Dowdle because they believe that he can take over as the lead back, then it would make sense for them to address the position later. They could also look to add a more niche back.

If that's the case, then targeting Jaylen Wright as a home-run threat would be a viable option.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. highlighted Wright as one of the biggest risers at the combine. He posted a 4.38 40, an 11'2" broad jump and a 38" vertical. His athleticism is an important element because his specialty is ripping off long runs.

At 5'10½", 210 pounds, Wright is a little smaller than Benson and doesn't necessarily have the skill set of an early down, lead back. He might develop into that, but Klassen noted Wright has a boom-or-bust running style:

Wright's rushing style is reliant on obviously open lanes or being able to bounce outside into space. He is not a polished, commanding runner between the tackles. He often stops his feet and hops around until it's too late, letting every lane close before choosing one. Wright is not the type of runner who wants to plunge forward for a guaranteed three yards if 10 yards may be on the table with a little more patience.

Wright will work best as a complementary back early in his career. There's always the chance that he develops a bit more efficiency with experience. He only has 368 total collegiate carries. He would be an intriguing third-round pick.

WR Troy Franklin, Oregon

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Troy Franklin

Wide receiver isn't the biggest need on the Cowboys radar right now. They have major needs on the offensive and defensive lines that will likely take precedence, but this is a deep wide receiver class and the Cowboys need to be open to the idea of taking one if the opportunity is right.

In this case, a fall for Troy Franklin should be something they keep tabs on.

The Cowboys could get by without drafting a wide receiver. They have Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert to go with CeeDee Lamb. However, Tolbert has not panned out to this point and Cooks did not make the impact many were expecting last season.

Neither should be considered the long-term No. 2 receiver across from Lamb.

That's something that Franklin could become. The 6'3", 183-pound receiver could start as a deep ball specialist. He has the kind of deep speed that will translate to the league. His ability to track down deep balls. Only Malik Nabers had more receptions of over 30 yards than Franklin in college football last season.

However, there's enough route-running savvy there to believe that he could hone his craft further and become a legitimate No. 2 receiver.

That's a role that could see massive production with the right fit. CeeDee Lamb forces secondaries to pay extra attention to him. Franklin could be the right player to unlock another aspect of the passing attack.