“If Jeanty were to fall to the Cowboys, it would be a dream scenario for the team.” That’s not just a hot take—it’s a full-on spark for a blockbuster debate about the Dallas Cowboys’ draft strategy in 2025. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State’s electrifying running back, is a top-tier talent in this year’s NFL Draft class. With his explosive playmaking, versatility, and jaw-dropping stats, he’s got teams drooling—including the Cowboys. But is this dream scenario realistic, and what would it mean for America’s Team? Let’s break it down, no holds barred.
1. Cowboys’ Backfield Blues: Why They Need Jeanty BAD
The Cowboys limped through a brutal 2024 season, finishing 7-10, missing the playoffs, and exposing glaring holes in their roster. The biggest? Their ground game—or lack thereof. Dallas ranked dead last in the NFL in rushing yards per game (77.2) and carries per game (21.6 in games with Dak Prescott). Rico Dowdle led the team with a measly 402 yards in nine games, while Ezekiel Elliott, once a superstar, is a shadow of his former self.
Drafting a game-changer like Jeanty could turbocharge the Cowboys’ offense, taking heat off Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. With Brian Schottenheimer stepping in as head coach, word is Dallas wants a balanced attack where the run game isn’t just an afterthought. Jeanty could be the key to unlocking that vision.
2. Ashton Jeanty: The Draft’s Crown Jewel
Jeanty isn’t just good—he’s generational. A Heisman Trophy runner-up (behind Travis Hunter) and the 2024 Doak Walker Award winner, he obliterated defenses in college. Check the tape:
2,601 rushing yards—tops in the nation. 29 rushing touchdowns—pure domination. 1,970 yards after contact—more than most backs’ total yards. 130 forced missed tackles—good luck bringing him down.
At 5’9”, 215 pounds, Jeanty’s a compact missile with elite speed, razor-sharp cuts, and a nose for the end zone. He’s also a legit receiving threat, hauling in over 40 catches in 2024. Think Maurice Jones-Drew with a dash of Steven Jackson’s grit.
Oh, and here’s the kicker: Jeanty’s a Dallas kid. He balled out at Frisco Lone Star High School, just eight miles from Cowboys HQ. He’s openly said playing for Dallas would make him a “hometown hero.” That’s the kind of narrative that gets fans hyped and Jerry Jones reaching for his checkbook.
3. Can Jeanty Drop to Dallas at Pick 12?
The Cowboys hold the No. 12 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft—a sweet spot for a stud like Jeanty, but it’s no slam dunk. Let’s unpack the odds:
a. Running Backs in Today’s NFL
The NFL’s gone cold on early-round running backs. Teams crave quarterbacks, tackles, edge rushers, or corners in Round 1—positions with longer shelf lives. But every so often, a freak like Ezekiel Elliott (No. 4 in 2016 by Dallas) or Saquon Barkley (No. 2 in 2018) bucks the trend. Jeanty’s that kind of talent, projected as a top 5-10 overall player by some scouts. Mock drafts have him going anywhere from No. 6 to No. 20, depending on team needs:
NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice: Jeanty to the Jaguars at No. 5.
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards: Cowboys snag him at No. 9 (a bold reach).
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: Bears take him at No. 10.
If Jeanty slips past the top 10, Dallas is in prime position at 12. But if teams like the Raiders, Bears, or Commanders—who also need RB help—jump first, the Cowboys might have to trade up or watch their dream die.
b. Dallas’ Draft Game Plan
The Cowboys have holes everywhere: O-line, D-tackle, linebacker, wide receiver. Spending a top-12 pick on a running back could raise eyebrows when guys like Josh Simmons (OT) or Luther Burden III (WR) are on the board. Still, Dallas has a history of betting big on elite RBs—Elliott in 2016 proved that. Jeanty could be their next “Zeke,” a franchise-altering talent.
Plus, the Cowboys have an ace up their sleeve: “Dallas Day.” It lets them scout local prospects like Jeanty without burning official visits. They’ve likely got the full scoop on his game, character, and fit. That’s a massive edge.
c. The Competition
Teams picking before Dallas could crash the party:
Raiders (No. 6): Heavy favorites to grab Jeanty in mocks. Jaguars (No. 5): Need a spark to help Trevor Lawrence. Commanders (No. 13): Lurking right behind Dallas, ready to pounce.
If Jeanty’s there at 12, it’s a no-brainer for Dallas. If not, they’ll need to get aggressive or pivot.
4. What Jeanty Brings to Big D
If the stars align and Dallas lands Jeanty—whether at 12 or via trade-up—here’s what they’re getting:
a. Instant Offensive Upgrade
Jeanty’s a human highlight reel. His speed, vision, and tackle-breaking ability would give Dallas the explosive ground game they’ve lacked for years. As a three-down back, he can run, catch, and block, opening up the playbook. Prescott would feast on play-action, and Lamb would see fewer double-teams.
b. Hometown Hype
Drafting a Frisco kid like Jeanty would light up Cowboys Nation. It’s a feel-good story that sells tickets and jerseys while giving the locker room a morale boost. Jeanty’s already said he’s all-in for Dallas—imagine that passion in AT&T Stadium.
c. A Decade of Dominance
At 21, Jeanty’s built for the long haul. Pair him with a beefed-up O-line (if Dallas invests there too), and he could rack up All-Pro nods and 1,500-yard seasons like it’s nothing.
5. The Risks
It’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Drafting Jeanty comes with red flags:
Positional Value: RBs don’t carry the same weight as linemen or pass-rushers. Passing on a stud tackle or defender for Jeanty could haunt Dallas. Wear and Tear: Jeanty carried the ball 344 times in 2024—a massive workload. Can his body hold up long-term? Pressure Cooker: As a local star with sky-high expectations, Jeanty will face intense scrutiny. If he stumbles early, the critics will pounce.
6. Plan B: If Jeanty’s Gone
If Jeanty gets snagged before 12, Dallas has options, though none match his star power:
Omarion Hampton (North Carolina): Mel Kiper Jr.’s fallback for Dallas. Blazing 4.46 speed and big-play ability. Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State): A Round 2 bruiser with staying power. Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State): Another local kid, could be a Day 2 steal.
Dallas could also go for a lineman or defender in Round 1 and hunt for a back later, banking on this draft’s RB depth.
7. Final Verdict: Dream or Pipe Dream?
Ashton Jeanty in a Cowboys jersey is the stuff of fan fiction—a hometown hero turned franchise savior. His elite skills, Dallas roots, and perfect fit for the Cowboys’ needs make him a no-brainer target. But with the No. 12 pick, a devalued RB market, and hungry teams ahead, it’s far from a done deal. If Dallas wants Jeanty, they might need to channel Jerry Jones’ deal-making swagger and trade up.
One thing’s clear: Jeanty isn’t just a draft pick—he’s a potential game-changer who could redefine the Cowboys’ future. Whether it’s at 12 or a bold move higher, seeing him break tackles in Dallas would be must-watch TV. Buckle up, Cowboys Nation—this one’s gonna be a wild ride.