The Dallas Cowboys are at a crossroads after parting ways with head coach Mike McCarthy following a 7-10 season. Amid the changes, former Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant has given his opinion on the possibility of Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty landing in Dallas. This move has the potential to reignite the Cowboys’ ground game but comes with mixed opinions.
Dez Bryant Believes Ashton Jeanty Wouldn’t Reach Heights Under Mike McCarthy
Jeanty is coming fresh off a record-breaking junior season with Boise State. The 21-year-old racked up an astonishing 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging 7.0 yards per carry. Bryant took to X (formerly Twitter) to show support for the Cowboys’ decision to let McCarthy go.
He posted, “If Dallas is thinking about drafting Ashton Jeanty… Mike McCarthy damn sure is not the coach to coach him…”
If Dallas is thinking about drafting Ashton Jeanty..Mike McCarthy damn sure is not the coach to coach him…
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) January 13, 2025
Now that McCarthy is out, the Cowboys may be in a better position to make Jeanty their next franchise running back. Dallas holds the No. 12 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and Jeanty has made it clear he’d relish the chance to play for America’s Team. “I would love to play for the Cowboys,” Jeanty said in an interview with NBC.
“So, it would just feel like I’m at home, honestly. I ain’t going to say too much, but Dallas, they’ve always had a good running back, and when they’ve got a good running back, they play a lot better,” Jeanty added.
Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty wants the #DallasCowboys to draft him…
The former Frisco Lone Star HS standout signed with Disruptive Sports at an event in Dallas tonight… pic.twitter.com/y0V59JF5NO
— Pat Doney (@PatDoneyNBC5) January 12, 2025
The Cowboys are desperate for a reset in their backfield after finishing 27th in rushing this season. They’ve come a long way from their era of dominance with legends like Emmitt Smith.
Jeanty’s physicality, vision, and ability to wear down defenses could make him the perfect centerpiece for Dallas’ offensive rebuild. At 5’9″ and 215 pounds, he’s a bruiser who thrives on breaking tackles and churning out tough yards. These are traits that the Cowboys sorely need to balance their offense.
Whether or not Jeanty is worth a top-12 pick is a question that has been on many minds lately, given his limited experience in the passing game and pass protection. Nonetheless, his upside is undeniable, and the Cowboys must weigh their immediate needs.
A new era is beginning in Dallas, and the door is wide open for Jeanty to use the opportunity best. Whether he’s the spark the Cowboys need, or a luxury they can’t afford will be a defining storyline leading up to April’s draft.