HIDDEN GEMS: 3 Running Backs The Dallas Cowboys Could TARGET In The Middle Rounds of NFL Draft!

Locked On Cowboys - Daily Podcast On The Dallas Cowboys27mApril 7, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

In this episode of Locked On Cowboys, hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool analyze three mid-round running back prospects the Dallas Cowboys could target in the 2026 NFL Draft. They begin with Emmitt Johnson from Nebraska, praising his elite skill set, vision, and short-area burst despite his undersized frame and lack of elite speed or pass-catching ability. Johnson is seen as a situational back, best suited for a committee role with limited special teams value. Next, they discuss Nicholas Singleton from Penn State, a freak athlete with elite speed, power, and quickness, though his vision and footwork need refinement. The hosts believe Singleton could thrive as a secondary weapon and even replace Kevontae Turpin in jet sweep concepts. Finally, they examine K-Tron Allen, Penn State’s all-time leading rusher, who excels as a physical, efficient, north-south runner with zero career fumbles. While less dynamic, Allen offers reliability and toughness, though his lack of receiving and special teams experience is a concern. The hosts ultimately favor Singleton as the best fit for the Cowboys' needs, followed by Johnson and Allen.

Key Takeaways
1

Emmitt Johnson is a skilled, shifty runner with elite vision and ball security, ideal for a committee role but limited by size and lack of receiving/special teams ability.

2

Nicholas Singleton offers elite athleticism and explosive potential, best suited for a dynamic secondary role in a power or gap scheme, with high upside if he improves his instincts.

3

K-Tron Allen is a reliable, physical runner with no fumbles and strong efficiency, but lacks speed and receiving skills, making him a traditional backup option.

4

The Cowboys should target running backs who complement Javante Williams—specifically, a skilled runner (Johnson), a dynamic playmaker (Singleton), or a physical grinder (Allen).

5

Special teams readiness is a key factor for mid-round backs, with Singleton being the only one with real return potential.

…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
2 min

Introduction & Draft Context

The hosts introduce the episode, discussing the Dallas Cowboys' potential need for a running back in the mid-rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, despite not having a pick until 92. They outline the focus on three day two and three prospects.

1:40
6 min

Emmitt Johnson: The Skilled, Undersized Runner

He's not a special athlete, but he's so skilled that it makes him eligible to be drafted in the NFL.

Highlight
7:30
10 min

Nicholas Singleton: The Freak Athlete

He's a supreme athlete. If you give it to him, he's going to explode through it.

Highlight
17:30
8 min

K-Tron Allen: The Physical, Efficient Grinder

The hosts analyze K-Tron Allen as a reliable, tough runner with no career fumbles and strong efficiency. They praise his physicality and ability to get what’s blocked but note his lack of speed, receiving skills, and special teams experience.

25:00
2 min

Final Rankings & Draft Strategy

I think that's a better fit for what the Cowboys were looking for.

Highlight
High-Impact Quotes
He's a supreme athlete. If you give it to him, he's going to explode through it.
Landon McCool16:32
Viral: 85.0
He's not a special athlete, but he's so skilled that it makes him eligible to be drafted in the NFL.
Landon McCool13:42
Viral: 75.0
He's not a great pass blocker. And that's the thing that kind of holds me back.
Landon McCool8:30
Viral: 72.0
Speakers

Hosts

Marcus MosherLandon McCool
Topics Discussed
Running Back Draft Strategy90%Mid-Round NFL Draft Prospects85%Player Evaluation Based on Film80%Special Teams Readiness for Running Backs75%Running Back Committee Roles70%Athleticism vs. Skill in NFL Draft65%Injury Impact on Draft Stock60%Player Comparisons in Draft Analysis55%
People & Brands

Emmitt Johnson

person

45xPositive

Nicholas Singleton

person

38xPositive

Dallas Cowboys

other

35xPositive

K-Tron Allen

person

30xPositive

Penn State

other

25xNeutral

Nebraska

other

15xNeutral

2026 NFL Draft

other

10xNeutral

Javante Williams

person

8xNeutral

Everydayer Club

other

5xPositive

BetterHelp

organization

5xPositive

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