The Dallas Cowboys have been relatively quiet in free agency, but notable additions are running backs Javonte Williams (from Denver Broncos) and Miles Sanders (Carolina Panthers, Philadelphia Eagles).
Even after these free agent RB signings, Dallas might not be done adding to their backfield, especially with veteran Rico Dowdle heading to Carolina.
Dallas Cowboys Could Take Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty in 2025 NFL Draft
While the Cowboys have already added Sanders and Williams, NFL Draft analyst Anthony Pasciolla predicted in his latest mock draft for PFSN that they will draft Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty at No. 12 overall.
“The addition of veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders made it clear that the Dallas Cowboys hope to revive their struggling run game next season. While Williams is a serviceable back and Sanders is a depth piece, Ashton Jeanty could take the unit to another level.”
The Heisman Trophy runner-up had a tremendous final season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns last season while leading the Broncos to their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance.
A case could be made that Jeanty is the best overall player in the draft if positional value isn’t considered.
These additions could help the Cowboys improve on their 100.3 rushing yards per game last season, ranking 27th in the NFL.
Last season, Williams rushed for 513 yards and four touchdowns on 139 carries and caught 52 passes for 346 yards. Since 2021, he has played in 54 of 68 possible games and holds a career average of 4.0 yards per carry.
As for Sanders, he had 55 carries for 205 yards (3.7 yards per attempt) and two touchdowns last season with the Panthers.
He wasn’t utilized often in his two seasons with Carolina. He logged 184 carries for 637 yards (3.5 yards per carry) and three touchdowns on the ground while catching 51 passes for 302 yards and a touchdown.
Does It Make Sense for the Cowboys to Draft Jeanty?
While Williams and Sanders wouldn’t stop the Cowboys from taking a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft, No. 12 overall may be too high.
With Zack Martin retiring and Chuma Edoga leaving for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the offensive line now has some question marks.
Now that Martin is out of the picture, the Cowboys could target an offensive lineman like Will Campbell, Kelvin Banks Jr., or Armand Membo to fill the void.
They could look for a running back at No. 44 or No. 76 overall if they go that route. PFSN’s NFL Draft analyst Jacob Infante has the Cowboys taking Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson at No. 76 overall in his latest seven-round mock draft:
“Though the Cowboys have brought in veterans like Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in free agency, a younger, powerful running back with strong tape like Kaleb Johnson could be a more likely option for them to find a long-term starter at the position.”