The Dallas Cowboys are currently facing a few challenges, notably a lack of a solid running back and the absence of franchise quarterback Dak Prescott for the rest of the season. However, NFL expert Kris Knox sees a potential solution to one of these issues. In a feature for Bleacher Report, Knox suggests that the Cowboys could resolve their running back problem by selecting Ashton Jeanty from Boise State in the 2025 NFL Draft. He notes that the Cowboys failed to invest in the running back position this past offseason, leading to an offensive imbalance.
Knox emphasizes that while the Cowboys’ offensive struggles were already evident before injuries began to pile up, adding a dynamic running back like Jeanty could help turn things around. He points out that the Cowboys might overcorrect their mistake by using a top-10 pick on a ball-carrier like Jeanty. Knox believes that Jeanty’s abilities make him worthy of such an investment.
NFL scout Dame Parson highlights Jeanty’s electrifying skill set, specifically his ability to create plays for himself with the ball in his hands. Jeanty is described as a perfect fit for today’s NFL running schemes, such as wide zone and pin-pull gap offenses. Parson sees Jeanty as a potential star-caliber running back who could handle a heavy workload and serve as the centerpiece of an NFL rushing attack.
Knox acknowledges, however, that even with Jeanty on the roster, the Cowboys wouldn’t automatically become Super Bowl contenders in 2025. Still, he believes that pairing Jeanty with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Jake Ferguson could bring excitement back to the Cowboys’ offense. Adding Jeanty would help create a more balanced and entertaining attack.
Jeanty has been turning heads with his standout performances at Boise State. He has earned impressive PFF rushing grades of over 90 in each of the past three seasons, establishing himself as one of the top running backs in college football. His exceptional play has garnered attention from various experts, including Gordon McGuinness, who includes Jeanty in a mock 2025 NFL Draft for the Cowboys, suggesting he could be a key addition to the team.
The hype surrounding Jeanty has grown, with Mark Giannotto of USA Today listing him as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Giannotto points out that Jeanty has surpassed 2,000 rushing yards for the season, while Boise State remains in contention for a College Football Playoff berth. His performance has elevated him to the spotlight, making him a top prospect for the upcoming draft and a potential game-changer for the cowboys.