2025 NFL Mock Draft roundup: Is Ashton Jeanty the ultimate draft prize for Cowboys?
What if one of the electric running back prospects to ever enter the NFL Draft was drafted by America’s team?
Each week, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty raises his 2025 NFL Draft stock with eye-popping performances that showcase just how much of a game changer and gamebreaker he is in the Broncos’ offense. As one of the leading Heisman candidates, Jeanty is putting the running back position back on the national stage in averaging nearly 200 yards rushing a game.
In some of those games, he has reached those numbers by halftime. As the 2024 NFL season hits the midseason stage, there are a few NFL teams who could use the dynamic rushing attack of the 5-foot-9, 215-pound running back. One of those teams are the Dallas Cowboys who are looking for a lead back to help carry the offense.
After losing Tony Pollard to free agency, the Cowboys have leaned on aging veterans Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliot while hoping Rico Dowdle popped as a lead back. Unfortunately, his best game has been a 87-yard rushing performance in a 20-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. So, with Jeanty rising up the draft board, would a team like the Cowboys pick him in the first round?
CBS NFL Mock Draft: Cowboys select electric running back at No. 16
In Chris Trapasso’s latest CBS Mock draft, the Cowboys pounce on Jeanty in the first round. Jerry Jones squad has other needs, including on defense, but could the Boise State star be too tempting to pass up at a position the Cowboys have been trying to secure since Elliot’s first stint with the team?
In his latest mock draft, Trapasso writes:
“Would this not be the most Jerry Jones pick ever? Jeanty looks like one of the most threatening running back prospects in a long time, and the Cowboys have a major need at the position”
A player like Jeanty would help Dak Prescott and make the Cowboys offense a multi-dimensional offense. But, with how deep the draft will be at the running back position, should the Cowboys focus on adding defensive players around Micah Parsons and take a running back later in the draft?
While NFL Mocks does agree with Trapasso as far as how dominate Jeanty could look in a Cowboys’ uniform, contributor John Blair has Dallas leaning more towards Kentucky defensively lineman Deone Walker who would help take care of the team’s interior defensive lineman needs.
Blair writes:
“One of the biggest weaknesses on the Cowboys' defense this season is stopping the run, a need that could grow if Osa Odighizuwa departs in free agency. Ranked 24th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed per game, the Cowboys could benefit from Kentucky’s massive defensive tackle, Deone Walker. Standing at 6'6" and 345 pounds, Walker’s strength and size allow him to clog up running lanes effectively, making him a key piece to help solidify the Cowboys’ run defense.”
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As far as top needs, addressing the defensive line should be the first target for the Cowboys, but is the draft also deep enough to find that player on Day 2 and go for the prize in Jeanty with wherever they end up in drafting in the first round? Guess you have to ask yourself, what would Jerry do?