The Dallas Cowboys have long been one of the most iconic franchises in the NFL, but as the team gears up for the 2025 NFL Draft, they find themselves at a crossroads. While the Cowboys’ roster boasts several talented players, they are missing a game-changing force in the backfield. A powerful successor to Saquon Barkley, one of the NFL’s most dynamic running backs, could be exactly what the Cowboys need to take their offense to the next level. If Dallas manages to snatch a prospect like this in the draft, the league may be forced to reckon with an unstoppable force that could reshape the balance of power in the NFL.
The Case for a Running Back
The Cowboys have had notable running backs in recent years, most notably Ezekiel Elliott, but it’s clear that a new face in the backfield could take them over the top. Despite Elliott’s success in the past, his effectiveness has waned in recent seasons. The Cowboys need a young, explosive running back who can take on a heavy workload and create big plays out of the backfield. Enter a highly touted running back prospect from the 2025 draft class.
The Dallas Cowboys have an opportunity to draft a potential successor to Saquon Barkley, someone who could become a dominant force in the NFL. There’s a handful of players in this draft who could have an immediate impact and turn the Cowboys’ offense into one of the most dynamic in the league. With the right player, the Cowboys could revitalize their ground game and become more dangerous than ever.
The Ideal Successor: Powerful, Explosive, and Dynamic
One name that stands out in the 2025 NFL Draft as a possible successor to Barkley is Jahmyr Gibbs, the standout running back from Alabama. Known for his power, vision, and incredible burst, Gibbs has the potential to be a game-changer at the next level. He combines the strength to break through tackles with the agility to make defenders miss, making him a true three-down back. His ability to contribute in both the running and passing game would give the Cowboys a versatile weapon capable of taking over a game.
Another top contender in the draft is Braelon Allen from Wisconsin. At 6’2″ and over 230 pounds, Allen has the size to run through defenders while maintaining elite speed. His ability to dominate in short-yardage situations and grind out tough yards would make him an ideal candidate for the Cowboys’ offense. Given his powerful running style, Allen could form a devastating 1-2 punch alongside quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receivers like CeeDee Lamb.
If the Cowboys were to select either of these players or someone of similar caliber, it would add a new dimension to their offense and make them one of the most feared teams in the NFL.
Why the Cowboys Could Pull the Trigger
The Cowboys are in a strong position to make a splash in the draft, and the need for an elite running back is more pressing than ever. With Dak Prescott under center, the Cowboys already have a solid passing attack, but they lack a game-changing element in the ground game. A true workhorse running back could give Dallas the offensive balance it needs to reach the next level and compete for championships.
The NFL is becoming an increasingly pass-heavy league, but teams that can establish the run are often the ones that make deep playoff runs. A powerful, explosive back like Gibbs or Allen would force defenses to focus on both the run and the pass, opening up opportunities for Prescott to make big plays down the field.
Additionally, selecting a running back in the first round of the draft would demonstrate the Cowboys’ commitment to building a complete offense around Prescott. With a dominant backfield, the Cowboys could control the clock and wear down opposing defenses, setting up Prescott and the passing game for success.
The Impact on the League
If the Cowboys were to add a dynamic running back from the 2025 NFL Draft, the rest of the league would be on notice. The NFC East has been highly competitive in recent years, and adding a game-changing running back to a team that already has one of the most talented rosters in the NFL could propel the Cowboys into Super Bowl contention.
An elite back would take the pressure off Dak Prescott, allowing him to operate in a more balanced offense. With a legitimate threat in the backfield, defenses would be forced to respect both the pass and the run, giving Prescott more opportunities to thrive. This balance would make the Cowboys a nightmare for opposing defenses, who would struggle to stop them in all areas of the field.
Moreover, a powerful back would bring a new level of physicality to the Cowboys’ offense, complementing their already dominant offensive line. The team would be able to wear down opposing defenses throughout the game and control the tempo, making it difficult for opponents to keep up.
Conclusion
The Dallas Cowboys have the chance to make a game-changing move in the 2025 NFL Draft by selecting a powerful successor to Saquon Barkley. With the right running back, the Cowboys could elevate their offense to a level few teams in the NFL can match. Players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Braelon Allen could provide the perfect blend of power, explosiveness, and versatility to give Dallas the dynamic backfield it needs to make a Super Bowl run.
If the Cowboys pull the trigger on a running back in the 2025 draft, the league better be ready. With a dominant back in their arsenal, the Cowboys could watch as defenses crumble under the weight of their unstoppable offense. It’s a move that could burn the league in the best possible way and send shockwaves through the NFL. The future is bright in Dallas—if they make the right choice in the draft.
