The Dallas Cowboys still have more questions than answers in the ground game, which is why they’re being linked to the best running back in the 2026 NFL draft.
The Dallas Cowboys have long been a franchise known for bold moves, and owner Jerry Jones has reportedly set his sights on a game-changer for the 2026 NFL Draft. After a lackluster 2024 season where the Cowboys’ ground game ranked among the league’s worst, Jones is wasting no time addressing the team’s most glaring weakness. Sources indicate that Dallas is heavily targeting Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love, widely regarded as the top running back in the 2026 draft class, in a move that could reshape the NFL landscape.
A Dismal 2024 Ground Game Prompts Action
The Cowboys’ running game was nothing short of disastrous in 2024, exposing a critical flaw in an otherwise talented roster. Despite efforts to revamp the backfield in the offseason, the results were underwhelming. Dallas parted ways with Rico Dowdle and brought in veteran free agents Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders on one-year deals, while also drafting rookies Jaydon Blue (fifth round) and Phil Mafah (seventh round). The hope was that this committee approach would provide versatility and depth, but the unit failed to deliver the consistent production needed to support quarterback Dak Prescott.
While Williams and Sanders brought experience, their short-term contracts signal a temporary fix. The rookies, though promising, are seen as complementary pieces rather than franchise-caliber backs. The lack of a dominant, workhorse running back has hindered Dallas’ ability to control games on the ground and maximize their play-action passing attack—a formula that has historically made the Cowboys a powerhouse.
Jeremiyah Love: The Answer to Dallas’ Prayers
Enter Jeremiyah Love, the Notre Dame standout who has NFL scouts buzzing. Coming off a breakout 2024 college season, Love rushed for 1,125 yards and 17 touchdowns, showcasing a rare blend of power, vision, and breakaway speed. At 6’0” and 210 pounds, he has the physicality to handle a heavy workload while possessing the explosiveness to turn any carry into a game-breaking play.
In a recent three-round mock draft by Pro Football Network’s Brentley Weissman, Love was projected to land with the Cowboys, a pairing that makes perfect sense. Weissman noted, “The Cowboys currently have the weakest running back room in the NFL, and it’s not particularly close. This team has been at its best when they are able to run the rock and be physical upfront and allow Dak Prescott to win off of play action. Jeremiyah Love is the best back in this class by a long shot and will be a Heisman finalist this upcoming fall with another strong season.”
Love’s ability to carry the load as a featured back addresses the one missing piece in Dallas’ offense. His versatility as a runner and receiver out of the backfield would add a dynamic dimension to the Cowboys’ attack, reminiscent of the impact Ezekiel Elliott had during his prime.
Jerry Jones’ Draft Strategy: All-In on Love
Jerry Jones has never been one to shy away from splashy moves, and targeting Love signals a clear intent to restore the Cowboys’ identity as a physical, run-first team. While Dallas has yet to finalize their draft position for 2026, Jones is reportedly prepared to maneuver aggressively to secure Love, whether that means trading up or leveraging future assets. This bold approach aligns with Jones’ history of prioritizing elite talent at premium positions, as seen with past draft picks like Elliott and Micah Parsons.
The decision to focus on Love also reflects a long-term vision. With Williams and Sanders set to hit free agency again in 2026, the Cowboys need a cornerstone back to build around. Love’s youth, durability, and upside make him the ideal candidate to anchor the backfield for years to come, giving Prescott a reliable weapon and easing the pressure on the passing game.
What This Means for the NFL
If the Cowboys land Jeremiyah Love, the ripple effects could be felt across the league. A revitalized Dallas ground game would make the team a legitimate Super Bowl contender, forcing opponents to respect the run and opening up opportunities for Prescott to exploit defenses through the air. The move would also put pressure on NFC East rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants to bolster their own rosters to keep pace.
Moreover, Love’s arrival could signal a return to the Cowboys’ glory days, when a dominant running game defined their success. With head coach Mike McCarthy under scrutiny to deliver results, securing a talent like Love could be the key to unlocking Dallas’ full potential and silencing critics who question the team’s direction.
Conclusion
Jerry Jones is no stranger to making headlines, and his pursuit of Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft is poised to be his boldest move yet. By targeting the draft’s top running back, Jones is addressing the Cowboys’ biggest weakness head-on and setting the stage for a dramatic turnaround. If Love lives up to his billing, Dallas could once again become a force to be reckoned with, shaking up the NFL and reminding everyone why America’s Team is always a threat.