The Dallas Cowboys recently named Brian Schottenheimer as their new head coach. He will replace Mike McCarthy, who went 1-3 in the postseason during his five seasons as the Cowboys head coach.
The NFC East team’s fans are not quite as excited about Schottenheimer’s hiring as they had hoped for Deion Sanders to coach the team. The expectations are quite low for the new head coach as he doesn’t have previous experience leading a team, and the current Cowboys roster is also not good enough to compete for the Super Bowl.
However, NFL insider Adam Schefter recently named a 2025 NFL Draft prospect who could be a valuable addition to Schottenheimer’s team.
Adam Schefter Picks Ashton Jeanty To Become the Cowboys’ Savior
During a segment on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Schefter discussed how Ashton Jeanty would be the perfect pickup for the Cowboys in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The running back is a big need for Dallas, and since they have the 12th overall pick, they will likely be able to draft the highly touted running back from Boise State.
“Has there ever been a running back in one draft that is more perfect of fit than Ashton Jeanty is for the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12?” Schefter said. “We’re going to wait for this to happen. To me, it is so logical for them to go there. They have to do something at that spot to upgrade that position to basically do something … and to reverse the fortunes and to play to Schotty’s strengths and to get the ground game back in Dallas.”
The senior NFL insider also referred to the Cowboys drafting Ezekiel Elliott with the fourth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft as a sign the team could be sold on getting another running back early in the draft.
“By the way if they went Zeke Elliot at [No. 4] one year,” Schefter added. “Then why would they not go Ashton Jeanty at No. 12 this year? The need is greater.”
Jeanty was the runner-up to the Heisman Trophy, which many felt he deserved to win over Travis Hunter. In 14 games, the Boise State star rushed for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns on 374 carries, averaging an impressive 7.0 yards per carry.
Potentially pairing Jeanty with Rico Dowdle (a free agent in 2025) could form an excellent backfield for the Cowboys, and they could have even more success than they had with the duo of Elliott and Tony Pollard. Dak Prescott is coming off a season-ending hamstring injury, and having a good run game to help him will be essential for Schottenheimer.
The Cowboys could draft Jeanty and address the issue at the running back position, which they ignored last offseason by passing on the opportunity to sign Derrick Henry in free agency, a move that has grown more controversial over time.
Jerry Jones Is Under Pressure To Make A Flashy Move For The Fans
Jerry Jones has arguably let down the Cowboys’ fans, making Schottenheimer the team’s head coach even though no other team had brought him in for an interview.
READ MORE: ‘This Guy Is Actually Delusional’ — Cowboys Fans React To Jones’ Statement on Schottenheimer Hire
As a result, the Cowboys owner is under pressure to make at least one flashy move in the offseason. Signing Micah Parsons to a contract extension will be a good start for Jones to regain the fans’ trust, but drafting Jeanty in the first round will go a long way in mending his relationship with the fanbase.
If Dallas passes on the opportunity to draft Jeanty, fans may continue to revolt against Jones, and the team will be in a tough spot. The current roster might not be good enough for Schottenheimer to turn it into a playoff contender, which is why the team’s front office has to be smart in free agency and the NFL Draft and look for potential trades.
