![Ashton Jeanty, 2025 NFL Draft, Cowboys](https://empiresportsmedia.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=858,height=483,fit=crop,quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Syndication-Arizona-Republic-25093327.jpg)
The Dallas Cowboys could wind up with an elite running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Picking No. 12 overall, there will be many options on the table for Dallas to consider with their mid-first-round pick. However, one generational running back prospect might be the most enticing.
Dallas could stack their offense with an elite running back
Dallas is set at quarterback with Dak Prescott, who they signed to a long-term extension last offseason. Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb is still an elite option on the outside in Prescott’s receiving corp. But if there is one skill position that the Cowboys might want to upgrade, they could look to add some high-end talent to their backfield.
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Rico Dowdle currently mans the Cowboys’ backfield, but after Jerry Jones failed to sign a high-impact running back last offseason (like Derrick Henry), he might aim to right that wrong and bring in an elite running back prospect through this year’s draft. Thankfully, the Cowboys have a chance to land an elite running back in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Cowboys draft Ashton Jeanty No. 12 overall in latest mock draft
![Ashton Jeanty, 2025 NFL Draft, Cowboys](https://empiresportsmedia.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NCAA-Football-Boise-State-at-Wyoming-24837399.jpg?resize=539,359)
The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner and Scott Dochterman had the Cowboys select Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty with the No. 12 overall pick in the first round of the draft, saying this about the match:
“The Heisman Trophy runner-up, Jeanty resembles a young Ezekiel Elliott coming out of Ohio State, only with a little more wiggle. Jeanty (5-9, 215) led the country in rushing yards (2,601), rushing touchdowns (29) and all-purpose yards per game (185.8), and he exploded for 25 runs of 20-plus yards. He also converted 106 of his attempts into first downs. He’s the type of player Dallas needed last year, so the Cowboys would be happy to add him now,” Baumgardner and Dochterman wrote.
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Jeanty could fit well with the Cowboys next season
Jeanty is a great runner after he gets space in the open field. Once he finds his stride, he’s hard to catch. The Florida native is also gifted at breaking tackles and willing himself into the end zone. Jeanty could be a big-yardage back that complements Dowdle — who amassed 1,079 rushing yards in 2024 — from the onset of his career on the Cowboys — or he could be the elite weapon who takes over in their backfield.