One of the Dallas Cowboys’ biggest weaknesses going into the offseason is their run game. What was once a strength has become a liability, with Dallas ranking 26th in rushing yards per game and failing to establish any consistency on the ground. The lack of a reliable rushing attack has put a lot of pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott and his backups to make big plays that don’t always work out.
If the Cowboys want to break through in the playoffs, they need a game-changer in the backfield. And nobody in this year’s draft fits that description better than Ashton Jeanty, the electrifying Boise State running back who put up a historic 2024 season.
With the Cowboys expected to be in the market for a new RB, analysts are already predicting that Jeanty could be the perfect fit for Dallas — and it’s a place the young star has said he would love to play in.
Cowboys Predicted To Draft Ashton Jeanty
Few players in college football have ever been more dominant than Jeanty last season. The 5’9”, 215-pound Broncos RB put together one of the most impressive seasons in NCAA history, leading the nation with 2,739 yards from scrimmage and 2,601 rushing yards.
Jeanty’s 30 total touchdowns cemented him as an unstoppable force, and his ability to contribute in both the run and pass game made him a matchup nightmare.
A Heisman Trophy finalist — ultimately finishing runner-up to Travis Hunter — Jeanty racked up accolades, including the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award, and unanimous All-American honors.
Jeanty’s blend of speed, vision, and receiving ability makes him an ideal modern NFL running back. And with Dallas desperate to fix its ground game, some experts believe there’s a realistic chance he could be wearing the star on his helmet next season.
According to Pro Football Network’s most recent 7-round NFL mock draft, the Cowboys are predicted to draft Jeanty No. 12 overall in 2025.
A Dream Scenario for Jeanty and Cowboys
Beyond his production, Jeanty’s Texas ties make this potential pairing even more intriguing. The Jacksonville, Florida native has deep family connections in Texas, which could influence his landing spot in the draft.
In an interview with “Kickin’ It With Dee,” Jeanty didn’t shy away from his preferred destination.
“My family’s all in Texas. All of the connections, all of the relationships, I just feel that would be the perfect city to play in.”
For the Cowboys, Jeanty is exactly the type of running back they need. He has the physicality to handle a heavy workload while also possessing breakaway speed that can turn any play into a touchdown.
If Dallas uses an early draft pick on Jeanty, it could completely change its offense’s dynamic. A dominant rushing attack would take pressure off Prescott, open up play-action opportunities for wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and the passing game, and make life easier on an offensive line that has dealt with injuries in recent seasons.
The Cowboys haven’t had a true superstar running back since Ezekiel Elliott’s prime years, but Jeanty has all the tools to be the next big thing in Dallas. Whether or not he ends up in a Cowboys uniform will depend on how the draft board falls. However, if the front office is serious about fixing their run game, Jeanty might be their best option.