Javonte Williams

Javonte Williams is now with the Cowboys, and the duo of Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime won't intimidate many defenses. Paton pointed out the strength of this year's incoming running backs class when speaking with the media at the NFL owner's meetings and seems more than ready to find a difference-making back to help Sean Payton's offense this upcoming season. The Broncos hold the No. 20 pick in the draft and could take a shot on a back in that spot, but with several talented backs expected to be available on Day 2, they'll have plenty of other options available to them if they prefer to spend their top draft capital elsewhere.

Jones added that the team is "very thrilled" about Prescott's rehab but noted that the franchise quarterback will have "some limitations" throughout their offseason programs. Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in Week 9 and underwent surgery to correct the issue. He threw for 1,978-11-8 in the nine games he did appear in last season while completing just 64.7 percent of his passes -- his lowest mark since 2017. Prescott and the Cowboys offense struggled mightily last season due in part to a running game that was non-existent for a large portion of the year. First-time head coach Brian Schottenheimer will hope that a new-look backfield can take some pressure off the passing game this upcoming season, but there's still work to be done behind free-agent signees Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. As far as Prescott being ready for the start of the season is concerned, it sounds as if he's well on his way.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton has long deployed running backs as a key part of his passing offense. That didn't change in 2024, with a quarter of early-down pass attempts going to Denver backs. That Jaleel McLaughlin and Javonte Williams proved to be among the least efficient pass-catching backs in the NFL last season has left the Broncos with a need to fill this offseason. They parted with Williams, who signed with Dallas. Payton seemed not to trust McLaughlin with the pass-catching role in 2024, and for good reason: McLaughlin ranked 54th out of 57 qualifying running backs in yards per route run. "It all creates major questions about how the Broncos will address a critical part of their offense," Kosmider said. "[The Broncos] have closely evaluated what experts call one of the deeper running back classes in recent memory. They allotted many of their allowed meetings with prospects at the combine to the position and will continue to monitor the group at pro days around the country this month. They'll meet with more running backs at their facility during top-30 visits." Denver holds the 20th pick in the first round of the 2025 draft.

The Cowboys went into the offseason talking about their desire to upgrade their running game and they've made several moves with that in mind.

The Cowboys went into the offseason talking about their desire to upgrade their running game and they've made several moves with that in mind.