For years now, the Dallas Cowboys have faced a recurring challenge on offense: the absence of a true game-changing running back. This void has hindered their potential, making it clear that the team needs to find a dynamic playmaker in the backfield to elevate their offensive game.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Cowboys are presented with a golden opportunity to change that narrative. This year boasts a particularly deep running back class, and Dallas could make a significant impact by selecting Ashton Jeanty in the first round.
Leading up to this pivotal moment, there was a glimmer of hope that Tony Pollard might step into that game-changing role. However, with key contracts looming for stars like Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons, the team ultimately decided to let Pollard hit the free agency market. Although they brought Ezekiel Elliott back into the fold, it became apparent that he’s no longer the player he once was, missing the explosiveness that once made him a threat.
This decline in talent at the running back position has caused the Cowboys’ offense to become all too predictable, and it’s forced Prescott to shoulder more of the load than necessary. For Dallas to optimize their offensive potential and unlock the full capabilities of their star quarterback, they must prioritize drafting a running back who can rejuvenate their offense.
Enter Ashton Jeanty. From his freshman season at Boise State, Jeanty has been a standout player, showcasing remarkable skills that would make him a perfect fit for the Cowboys. His elite contact balance allows him to navigate through defenders and consistently gain those crucial extra yards. Jeanty’s ability to read defenses, identify openings, and anticipate plays is impressive, combining vision and patience with explosive long speed and breakaway acceleration. Over the course of his college career, he’s amassed an impressive 4,768 rushing yards and 50 touchdowns.
What truly sets Jeanty apart for the Cowboys, however, is his versatility. He’s not just a threat on the ground; he’s also a capable receiver who can stretch the field. With a smooth running style, natural hands, and a catch radius that allows him to convert challenging targets, Jeanty has recorded an impressive 84.5% reception rate, totaling 877 receiving yards and six touchdowns in his career.
Drawing comparisons to legends like Barry Sanders, Jeanty possesses the agility and elusiveness that the Cowboys’ backfield has desperately needed. With his skill set, he not only addresses the Cowboys’ running back concerns but could also be that game-changing player they’ve been searching for. As Dallas looks ahead to the draft, selecting Jeanty could be the pivotal move that transforms their offense and puts them back into contention.
