The Dallas Cowboys didn’t properly address the running back position last offseason. It will be fascinating to see how their approach changes (or doesn’t) headed into 2025.
With superstar talents like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley up for grabs, the Cowboys settled for a backfield of Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott for the 2024 campaign. The ground game was brutal early in the year, and even as Dowdle came into his own in the second half, it was clear Dallas hadn’t done enough to boost their languishing offense.
Plus, Dowdle is headed for free agency now, so if Dallas doesn’t make the necessary effort to retain him, they’ll be starting from square one.
That’s why one Cowboys writer believes Dallas will use the number 12 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to secure their lead back of the future.
Criss Partee of FanSided predicted Monday that the Cowboys would draft Ashton Jeanty, the Boise State superstar who finished second in 2024 Heisman Trophy voting, with their first-round selection.
“As Boise State’s lead back in 2024, he racked up a whopping 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns while averaging seven yards per carry,” Partee wrote. “His hybrid skill set mirrors what Dallas has lacked, a back who can run, catch, and block effectively.”
“Jeanty can also help keep defenses honest by forcing linebackers into coverage and opening up opportunities for CeeDee Lamb downfield. With a thin running back depth chart, Jeanty isn’t just a luxury, he becomes a necessity.”
The 21-year-old Jeanty is a 5-foot-9, 215-pound bulldozer who became appointment television for the Boise State team that made a surprise run to the College Football Playoff. He struggled against Penn State in the game that eliminated the Broncos, but he completely dominated everyone else he saw.
First-round running backs are always a risk, but it’s hard to envision Jeanty not panning out to some degree. The real question is whether he drops to them at 12 or someone else snakes him from under Dallas’ nose.
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