Is Ashton Jeanty Really the Correct Answer for Dallas?
The Cowboys entering the 2025 NFL Draft currently slotted at the 12th pick and there are a lot of holes on this Dallas team in positions of need. Dallas could decide to go with a wide receiver early in the draft with players like Luther Burden or Emeka Egbuka. Even the choice of trading back and collecting more picks is an idea in Dallas's mind. However, the most polarizing option for the Cowboys is the potential drafting of Ashton Jeanty. The Boise State star is arguably the best player in the draft, but as he plays running back, questions arise on whether he is worth the value pick. However, should Dallas draft Jeanty?
Positives
Jeanty is easily the best running back in this year's draft. With elite contact balance, Jeanty, even with offensive line struggles, will be able to create his own running lanes. Drafting him would make him the Cowboys’ number-one running back and give them another star on the offensive side of the football alongside Ceedee Lamb. The field would open up a lot more for Dak Prescott, as he would have to face less zone coverage with a game-changing running back. The selection of Jeanty will also be big for the city of Dallas and DFW. Jeanty, a Frisco kid, voiced his opinion of wanting to be selected by Dallas, and there are many Dallas natives who would not oppose the choice.
Negatives
In recent years, the scrutiny of taking a running back early in the draft has been a large topic around the NFL world. With a deep running back class this year, there are many who believe that there is no need to spend a first-round pick on a running back when you can get one later on for cheaper. The wear-and-tear on Jeanty is another concerning factor entering the draft. With over thousands of carries from high school to college, just how much more damage could Jeanty's body handle? Along with the fact Dallas has already lived this story once before with Ezekiel Elliott, this could be a reason they stay away from Jeanty in the first round.
Opinion
In my opinion, I would pass on Jeanty. As elite as he is, Dallas could easily find another running back to target in the later rounds of the draft; Omarion Hampton from UNC is a prime example. Dallas needs help in other premier positions too, so there is no need to take a running back with their early pick. The backlash from not taking a running back if available will be loud, but the Cowboys do not need to spend a first-round pick on a running back.
