With the 2024 season in the rear-view mirror, many Dallas fans are looking toward the 2025 NFL Draft for optimism, and one name keeps coming up. Heisman finalist Ashton Jeanty is consistently connected to the Cowboys, and the interest is mutual.
Speaking at an event in Dallas, Jeanty raved about the possibility of heading to America’s Team, saying he would “love” to play for the Cowboys.
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
It’s easy to see why Jeanty, the fans, and the media are building the hype for a Cowboys pairing. He went to Lone Star High in Frisco, meaning he played his home games in Dallas’ practice facility, and there is a desperate need for a game-changing running back on the roster.
Combine those two things with the Cowboys’ prominent Boise State connection, and this thing seems like a match made in heaven.
Will Jeanty’s desire to have the star on his helmet increase his odds, and what would it mean for the rest of the roster if Dallas did pursue him? That’s what we’re here to discuss, so let’s get into it.
Ashton Jeanty’s Wish: Is It Realistic?
For Ashton Jeanty’s ideal scenario to come true, the front office has to share his vision. With the 12th pick in the draft, and needs all around the roster, they may see drafting a running back as a risk.
Dallas last drafted a running back in the first round in 2016, as Ezekiel Elliott came in and dominated the ground game.
In hindsight, however, the Cowboys would have been much better off selecting Jalen Ramsey in the first round, and Derrick Henry in the second. In a deeply talented running back class, Dallas could look to avoid that same mistake.
On the flip side, the Cowboys just need playmakers, and Jeanty is that and more.
The #Cowboys have the worst running game in the league by almost every metric. Their average of 77 yards per game is their lowest since the 1-15 team in 1989. It’s beyond time to determine whether Dalvin Cook has the ability to make a positive contribution. He’s been on the… https://t.co/lRBJxEJv9W
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) October 26, 2024
When you remove CeeDee Lamb from the equation, Dallas’ weapons simply lack explosiveness.
Whether it’s Jalen Tolbert, Brandin Cooks, or the whole running back room, there isn’t a big hitter that can take the weight of the offense off Lamb’s shoulders. Jeanty, with his 2,601 yards and 30 touchdowns this season, would certainly change that.
If the Cowboys think Jeanty’s talent elevates his value beyond the average first-round running back, they may just pull the trigger and make his dream scenario a reality.
Rico Dowdle: What Would Jeanty Mean For Him?
Over the 2024 season, veteran Rico Dowdle cemented his place as the RB1 in Dallas.
Rushing for over 1,000 yards and looking like a good running back consistently, he easily beat out Elliott, Dalvin Cook, and Deuce Vaughn for the job. He also likely made himself some money in the process.
Dowdle, 26, is set to become a free agent this offseason, and this emergence should make him a hot topic among running back-needy teams.
We all know Dallas is working with a “tight budget” this offseason (which is their choice), and if they plan to target Jeanty, they won’t pay Dowdle what he’s looking for on the open market.
Rico Dowdle just went over 1000 yards. He is the first undrafted free agent to top 1000 yards rushing in Cowboys history
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) December 29, 2024
That could be seen as a pro in Jeanty’s column, as we’ve seen how paying running backs deep into their careers often turns out.
Not to mention, with all due respect to Dowdle, these two players are far apart in terms of talent. Dowdle keeps the Cowboys’ running game afloat; Jeanty would revive it to an elite level we haven’t seen in years.
If there is a consideration to drafting Jeanty, that means Dallas has an interest overall in picking a running back high. That spells danger for Rico Dowdle’s future with the team.
Ashton Jeanty In Dallas: The Bottom Line
The truth is, it’s far too early for us to confidently say that Dallas will have interest in Ashton Jeanty; we won’t even know if he’s available until draft night in April.
However, we do know he has an interest in them, which usually sparks interest from Cowboys Owner and General Manager, Jerry Jones. In short, Jeanty wanting to be a Cowboy could go a long way.
We are just months away from seeing what they do with Dowdle, whether they pursue meetings with Jeanty, and if they shock the world by spending on a free agent running back.
Until then, we’ll have to speculate on whether Jeanty’s wish can become a reality this spring.
