Joshua Zimmerman
The Cowboys selected Tony Pollard with the 128th pick in the 2019 draft to be a backup. He came out of Memphis as a 2017 All American, 2 time All AAC, and 2 time AAC special teams player of the year. CowboyswireUsaToday said He “Has the ability to do everything you’d ask a reserve runner to do”. It was what you would expect since Pollard had only 130 carries and was primarily used as a kick returner in college. Pollard despite this is developing into a starting running back right before our eyes.
Improvement
Pollard was not considered a natural runner coming into the league. Scouts said he’ll need additional fundamentals training to develop into an NFL player. He had some raw talent, with the fastest 40 yard dash time among running backs at the combine at 4.38 seconds. Pollard was considered a running back that can get to the second level quickly, who rarely goes down on first contact. This helped him improve his yards going from 455 in 2019 to 435 in 2020, to 719 yds in 2021. He also went from a running back that can barely create separation to a running back that is elusive and avoids taking big hits. Putting up 146 YBCON, 1.7 YBCON/ATT, 309 YACON and 3.6 YACON/ATT in 2019. He had 186 yds YBCON, 1.8 YBCON/ATT, 249 yds YACON, and 2.5 YACON/Att in 2020.He improved to 398 yds YBCON, 3.1 YBCON/ATT, 321 YACON and 2.5 YACON/ATT. On top of that Pollard can play receiver too since he played it in college with his receptions going up from 15-28-39.
Should be Starting RB
Pollard should be a starting back in the NFL.
He’s got enough carries left in him (only 317 in his first 3 years), versatility and the numbers to do it. Pollard 5.5 Y/A tied for 1st with guys like Jonaton Taylor and Nick Chubb. He was 2nd in efficiency stats such as yards per touch (6.2), 3rd in Breakaway Run Rate (8.5%) 5th in Juke Rate (34.9%), and 6th in YardsCreated/Touch (3.49).
Pollard 17 rushes over 10 yards is better than guys like Aaron Jones (16) and Leonard Fournette (15), who have at least 40 or more carries. All the other running backs on those lists are starting running backs and any running back with these kinds of numbers should be starting.
The Future
Pollard is a free agent next year. If the Cowboys sign Zeke it's time for Pollard to take his talents elsewhere. In 2 games as the starter he’s had over 80 rushing yards. He should go to a team that he can become a starter on.
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