The Dallas Cowboys are hoping to quickly move past a disappointing 2024 season.
After three straight 12-5 campaigns, the team finished with a lackluster 7-10 record, leading to the decision to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer was promoted to replace McCarthy and is now tasked with turning the team around.
A major issue for the Cowboys last season was their inconsistent run game.
While starting running back Rico Dowdle rushed for 1,079 yards, his total was heavily inflated by an impressive surge over the final six games, where he gained 591 yards.
With Dowdle now a free agent, the Cowboys are left with a void at the running back position. After him, the next-highest rusher on the team totaled just 226 yards.
To address this gap, ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. has an idea for the Cowboys’ first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Kiper suggests the team could look to bolster their backfield by selecting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.
“I’ve talked to people in the NFL who have Jeanty and Hampton neck and neck for RB1, and there are even some who prefer Hampton,” Kiper wrote.
“And I look at Dallas’ decision to hire Brian Schottenheimer as coach and can’t help but think about his father, Marty, and all those run-heavy offenses he had over 21 seasons in the same job for four different teams.
“One would think some of that will rub off on the Cowboys’ new coach, even with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb in the offense.”
While the Cowboys have been connected to Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty throughout the season, Kiper predicts Jeanty will be selected No. 6 overall by the Las Vegas Raiders.
In contrast, Hampton turned in another stellar season in 2024, rushing for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns, marking his second consecutive year surpassing 1,500 rushing yards.
The NFL Draft will kick off on Thursday, April 24.
What are your thoughts on Kiper’s prediction that the Cowboys will land Hampton? … Is he even better than Jeanty???
