As the Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 NFL season draws to a close with mixed results, attention is quickly shifting to the future, with the team looking for ways to bolster its roster and improve its chances for a deep playoff run next year. While the Cowboys have a solid foundation in several areas, there are undeniable gaps, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. With the draft just around the corner, speculation is rampant about which players the Cowboys should target to give them the edge they need. One name that stands out among the various mock drafts is Ashton Jeanty, the explosive running back from Boise State. As a potential homegrown talent, Jeanty represents an opportunity for the Cowboys to inject new energy into their offense and add a dynamic playmaker to their backfield.
A Logical Pick for the Cowboys
The Cowboys have long been known for having a powerful running game, but in recent years, their offensive identity has shifted away from relying on the ground game. Despite having talented backs like Tony Pollard and the dependable Ezekiel Elliott (who was cut this offseason), the Cowboys have struggled to find consistent production from the running back position. With their offensive line needing some reinforcements and their passing game continuing to evolve, adding a fresh, explosive running back like Jeanty could go a long way toward restoring balance to the offense.
Joe Lago of The Big Lead highlights that selecting Jeanty would be a no-brainer for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office. Jeanty’s incredible skill set and his well-rounded game make him a logical fit in Dallas’ offensive scheme. He’s not just a one-dimensional player who can only run between the tackles; Jeanty’s versatility allows him to be a weapon in both the passing and running games. His pass-catching ability, combined with his agility and vision as a ball carrier, would complement the Cowboys’ existing offensive pieces and help maximize the potential of their offensive attack.
For Jones and the Cowboys, who have always prized high-character players with the ability to make an immediate impact, Jeanty fits that mold. His work ethic, leadership, and humility have already won him praise from coaches and scouts alike, which makes him an even more attractive option for a team like the Cowboys. Given the team’s roster needs and the current state of their offense, bringing Jeanty aboard would provide an instant upgrade in terms of both talent and depth.
A Hometown Hero in the Making
Beyond his on-field ability, there’s an undeniable emotional and symbolic connection between Ashton Jeanty and the Dallas Cowboys. Hailing from Frisco, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, Jeanty has long been a fan of the Cowboys and has dreamed of playing for the team he grew up rooting for. If Jeanty is selected by the Cowboys in the 2025 NFL Draft, he would not only be joining a top-tier NFL organization but also fulfilling a childhood dream and becoming a “hometown hero” in the process.
This hometown connection could be a powerful motivator for Jeanty as he enters the NFL. Playing for his local team would undoubtedly mean a great deal to him and could help fuel his desire to perform at the highest level. The Cowboys have a rich history of selecting players with ties to the state of Texas, and Jeanty would add to that tradition by becoming the latest homegrown talent to don the Cowboys’ star. The narrative of a local product playing for his favorite team is one that resonates with fans, and it could serve as a rallying point for the Cowboys’ fan base as well.
As Jeanty continues to make a name for himself, his bond with the Texas community remains strong. He played his high school ball in the area and became an integral part of the Texas football scene before making his way to Boise State. As a result, he has a built-in fanbase that will undoubtedly be cheering him on as he continues to rise through the ranks of college football and possibly heads to the NFL. That emotional connection between Jeanty and the Dallas area would make his addition to the Cowboys even more impactful.
Impressive College Career and Stats
Ashton Jeanty’s statistics from his time at Boise State speak for themselves, offering a glimpse of what he could bring to an NFL offense. During his time at Boise State, Jeanty racked up an impressive 2,288 rushing yards and 28 touchdowns in a single season, earning him national recognition as one of the best running backs in college football. His ability to break through defenses, make defenders miss in the open field, and change the direction of a play in an instant makes him an exciting prospect for the Cowboys.
Jeanty’s vision, patience, and explosiveness make him a dynamic runner. Whether he’s running between the tackles or bouncing it outside, he shows remarkable flexibility in finding the best angles and gaps to exploit. His ability to read defensive linemen and anticipate where the defense will be is what sets him apart from many of his peers. Jeanty also has quickness and agility that allows him to make defenders miss in tight spaces, which makes him a dangerous option in the open field. These are qualities that make him an ideal fit in today’s fast-paced, pass-heavy NFL offense.
In addition to his running abilities, Jeanty is a capable receiver out of the backfield. This is a valuable trait in the modern NFL, where running backs are often tasked with being dual-threats as both ball carriers and pass-catchers. Jeanty’s soft hands and ability to track the ball as a receiver make him a legitimate threat on screens, wheel routes, and other passing concepts. His versatility as both a rusher and a pass-catcher is what makes him an even more appealing option for the Cowboys.
The Perfect Fit for the Cowboys’ Offense
The Cowboys have some key pieces already in place on offense, particularly with quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. However, the team has struggled with consistency in the running game, and adding a player like Jeanty could provide an immediate boost. He has the potential to be an every-down back for the Cowboys, capable of taking on a heavy workload while also serving as a change-of-pace back when needed. His all-around skill set makes him a perfect fit for an offense that thrives when it can keep opposing defenses off balance.
As the Cowboys look ahead to the draft, it’s clear that Ashton Jeanty is a player they should strongly consider. He offers the type of dynamic playmaking ability that could elevate the Cowboys’ offense to new heights. With his Texas roots and impressive college production, Jeanty represents not only a potential game-changer for the Cowboys but also a player who could quickly endear himself to the team’s fan base. If the Cowboys are looking to bolster their offensive depth and add an exciting young talent to their backfield, Jeanty could very well be the answer they’ve been searching for.
