The NFL Draft is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, where franchises have the opportunity to shape the future of their teams by selecting the brightest prospects from the college ranks. Each team approaches the draft with a specific set of needs, and often the focus is on filling those gaps with the most talented players available. However, the Dallas Cowboys are a team that has been able to build a solid foundation over the past few seasons, and with their depth in many areas, they find themselves in a unique position during the 2025 NFL Draft: selecting the “best player on the board,” regardless of position.
One player who has emerged as a potential fit for the Cowboys in this regard is Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back from Boise State University who has gained significant attention leading up to the draft. Jeanty is a versatile and explosive player who possesses an exceptional combination of speed, vision, and power that could be a game-changer for the Cowboys’ offense. As the Cowboys approach the draft, Jeanty’s name has been linked to them, with many experts, analysts, and scouts citing him as one of the best overall talents in the draft class. His ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield makes him a perfect candidate for the Cowboys, who already have a potent offense but are always looking to add more playmakers.
In this in-depth analysis, we’ll explore why Ashton Jeanty has been tabbed as the “best player on the board” for the Dallas Cowboys, what makes him such an intriguing prospect, and how he could fit into the Cowboys’ system. We’ll also examine the broader implications of drafting a running back and what it would mean for the future of the franchise.
Ashton Jeanty: The Prospect
Ashton Jeanty’s rise as a top NFL prospect has been nothing short of impressive. After playing for Boise State, Jeanty’s college career was defined by his ability to break off long runs, contribute in the passing game, and consistently find the end zone. Over the course of his career, he accumulated impressive stats, including over 1,500 yards rushing in his final season and 15 total touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a true dual-threat.
Jeanty stands out due to his unique combination of size and athleticism. At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Jeanty has the frame to withstand the rigors of the NFL season, and his burst through the line of scrimmage is electrifying. His ability to change direction on a dime, coupled with his vision and patience, allows him to find holes in even the toughest defenses. Additionally, his top-end speed and agility make him a dangerous weapon in both the open field and in short-yardage situations.
Another key attribute of Jeanty’s game is his versatility as a receiver. While he is primarily known as a running back, Jeanty is also an outstanding pass catcher. He has the hands and route-running ability to make plays out of the backfield, adding another dimension to his skill set. His ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver makes him a perfect fit in today’s NFL, where running backs who can be threats in the passing game are more valuable than ever. This versatility would be a huge asset to the Cowboys, who are always looking for ways to improve their offensive firepower.
Why Jeanty Fits the Cowboys’ Needs
The Dallas Cowboys are a team that has been solid in many areas but remains in search of a few key pieces to take their roster from good to great. As one of the most talented teams in the NFC, the Cowboys have been consistently competitive but have fallen short in the postseason in recent years. While they have a strong core on both sides of the ball, a few key weaknesses remain — and one area where the team could stand to improve is at the running back position.
Tony Pollard, the Cowboys’ lead back, has shown flashes of brilliance, but his ability to shoulder a full workload for an entire season has been called into question. After Ezekiel Elliott’s departure, Pollard became the primary ball carrier, but the team could benefit from additional depth at the position. Adding a player like Jeanty would not only provide a more dynamic threat in the backfield, but also give the Cowboys the flexibility to mix up their offensive approach.
Jeanty’s dual-threat capabilities would make him an ideal complement to Pollard, allowing the Cowboys to keep defenses guessing. He could be used as a change-of-pace back, coming in for spell situations and being utilized in passing-down situations, thus increasing the offensive diversity. Additionally, his physical running style could allow him to excel in short-yardage and goal-line situations, an area where Pollard, who has often been used more as a speed back, may not be as effective.
Furthermore, Jeanty’s ability to contribute as a receiver would open up additional opportunities for the Cowboys’ passing game. With Dak Prescott at quarterback and one of the best wide receiver groups in the league, adding another playmaker in the backfield would give the Cowboys an even more potent offensive arsenal. Jeanty could line up in the slot or motion out into the formation to create mismatches, giving Prescott an additional weapon to target and making the offense even more difficult to defend against.
Adding Depth and Flexibility to the Cowboys’ Offense
One of the advantages of selecting Jeanty as the “best player on the board” is the depth and flexibility he would provide to the Cowboys’ offense. As mentioned, Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance but could benefit from a more balanced backfield. By adding Jeanty, the Cowboys would not only improve their running game but also create a dynamic situation where both backs could share duties without losing effectiveness.
Having two capable and explosive running backs on the roster would make the Cowboys’ offense less predictable and harder to game plan against. Defenses would have to account for multiple threats in the backfield, which could open up opportunities for Prescott to exploit mismatches in the passing game. Moreover, Jeanty’s pass-catching ability would give offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy additional flexibility in designing plays, as he could incorporate the running back into a variety of passing schemes, whether as a checkdown option or as a primary target on swing routes and screen plays.
Additionally, Jeanty’s ability to contribute in both the running and passing game means the Cowboys could deploy him in different offensive schemes. He could be used in zone-blocking schemes or power runs, depending on the defensive look, and his receiving ability could make him a focal point in play-action passes. McCarthy and offensive coordinator Kellen Moore could experiment with different sets and personnel groupings to maximize Jeanty’s skill set, ensuring that the offense remains versatile and unpredictable.
Why Jeanty is Considered the “Best Player on the Board”
While the Cowboys may have several options when it comes to making their first-round pick, Ashton Jeanty stands out as a player who offers tremendous value at the running back position. His combination of size, speed, vision, and hands makes him one of the most well-rounded prospects in the entire draft. He may not be the most high-profile player at his position — with top-tier wide receivers and defensive prospects often taking the spotlight — but Jeanty’s well-rounded game and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the offense set him apart from other running back prospects.
The “best player on the board” designation doesn’t just come from Jeanty’s talent as a runner; it also stems from his football IQ, his ability to read defenses, and his work ethic. He’s been praised for his understanding of blocking schemes, his ability to adjust on the fly, and his vision when it comes to hitting the right hole. These are qualities that make Jeanty a coachable player, one who can come in and make an immediate impact for the Cowboys.
The Broader Implications of the Pick
The Cowboys’ selection of Jeanty would also send a message about the direction the team wants to take. With a stacked roster in many key areas, including defense and wide receiver, the Cowboys don’t have to force a pick based on need alone. By selecting Jeanty, the Cowboys would be prioritizing talent over position and reinforcing the notion that they are a team built for the future — a team that is not content with simply being good, but rather one that aims to be great.
Adding Jeanty would also set the stage for continued offensive evolution, as McCarthy and Moore could experiment with new ways to use him, keeping the Cowboys ahead of the curve in an increasingly dynamic NFL. The pick would solidify the Cowboys’ position as one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league, and could be the missing piece they need to finally make a serious Super Bowl push.
Conclusion
As the Dallas Cowboys prepare for the 2025 NFL Draft, the team finds itself in the enviable position of selecting the best player available, with no glaring weaknesses on the roster. Ashton Jeanty, the dynamic running back from Boise State, is a perfect candidate for the Cowboys as they look to add a game-changing playmaker to their already potent offense. Jeanty’s ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver, combined with his explosive athleticism and football IQ, make him one of the most intriguing prospects in the draft.
If the Cowboys select Jeanty as the “best player on the board,” it would not only improve their running game but also add an extra layer of versatility and unpredictability to their offensive scheme. With Jeanty on board, the Cowboys would become even more dangerous — a team capable of challenging for the Super Bowl, with an offense that can attack from multiple angles. As the draft nears, it will be fascinating to see if the Cowboys ultimately pull the trigger on this exciting prospect, potentially giving them the final piece they need to secure a championship in the near future.
