The NFL Draft has long been a critical point in the calendar for teams to shape the future of their franchise. With each year, the importance of securing the right players increases, and the Dallas Cowboys, one of the league’s most storied franchises, are no strangers to this. The Cowboys have a history of aggressive moves to acquire key pieces, whether through trades or draft picks. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys appear to be setting their sights on one particular player who could be a game-changer for the team: Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back from Boise State.
Known for their strategic thinking and willingness to make bold moves, the Cowboys could be positioning themselves for an aggressive trade-up in the 2025 NFL Draft to secure Jeanty. This decision would come as no surprise to those familiar with the Cowboys’ past draft strategies. But why exactly could Jeanty be the player they are eyeing? What does he bring to the table, and how might Dallas maneuver the draft to secure his services? This article will explore the potential for the Cowboys to trade up for Ashton Jeanty, the player’s strengths, the team’s current needs, and how such a move could impact their future.
Ashton Jeanty: A Rising Star in College Football
Ashton Jeanty’s rise to prominence as a top NFL prospect has been swift, and for good reason. Over his time at Boise State, Jeanty has shown remarkable consistency, explosiveness, and versatility, making him one of the most intriguing running backs in the 2025 class. While he may not have the same level of recognition as some other players at the position, his performance and potential have caught the attention of NFL scouts, making him one of the top backs to watch heading into the draft.
What Makes Jeanty Stand Out?
Jeanty’s skill set is one that NFL teams highly value. Here’s what makes him so appealing:
- Vision and Patience: Jeanty has excellent field vision, which is critical for any running back in the NFL. He’s patient behind the offensive line, waiting for holes to develop before making his move. This ability to read the field and find lanes is a crucial trait for a running back in a pro-style offense, where defenses are more complex than in college football.
- Quickness and Explosiveness: Jeanty possesses a burst of speed that allows him to hit the hole with intensity and acceleration. Whether it’s breaking through tackles or outrunning defenders, his explosiveness makes him a legitimate threat in both the running and passing game. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field could translate well to the NFL, where speed and agility are prized qualities.
- Versatility as a Dual-Threat: One of Jeanty’s biggest strengths is his versatility. Not only is he an outstanding rusher, but he also has reliable hands as a receiver out of the backfield. This makes him an ideal fit for the modern NFL, where running backs are expected to contribute in multiple facets of the game. Jeanty’s ability to run routes and catch passes makes him a valuable asset in today’s pass-heavy offenses.
- Durability: Despite his size—standing at 5’11” and weighing around 210 pounds—Jeanty has demonstrated the ability to take on a heavy workload and stay durable throughout the course of a season. In the NFL, where injuries are common, having a running back who can stay on the field consistently is a key factor for success.
- Proven College Success: During his time at Boise State, Jeanty accumulated impressive statistics, showcasing his ability to perform against high-level competition. His solid performance in the Mountain West Conference, particularly in critical games, has shown he’s capable of handling the pressure of big moments.
With such a well-rounded skill set, Jeanty has been turning heads as one of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft. For the Dallas Cowboys, a team that has seen some success in the running back position in recent years but lacks the consistency and long-term stability at the position, Jeanty could be the perfect fit.
Why the Dallas Cowboys Are Interested in Jeanty
The Dallas Cowboys have long been associated with a strong running game, thanks to the historic success of Emmitt Smith and more recently, Ezekiel Elliott. However, since parting ways with Elliott, the team has faced challenges in establishing a consistent and explosive rushing attack. Tony Pollard, who emerged as a star in 2023, has been the primary running back, but there’s a clear need for additional depth and a potential workhorse back to complement his skill set.
Pollard’s Role and Jeanty’s Fit
Pollard has shown flashes of brilliance, with his speed and vision making him a dynamic playmaker for Dallas. However, Pollard is best suited as a complementary back in a system that uses a one-two punch, as he does not have the same bruising style that Elliott once provided. The Cowboys need a back who can carry the load on early downs, convert in short-yardage situations, and contribute significantly in the passing game. Jeanty fits that bill perfectly.
Jeanty’s ability to be a three-down back with the ability to break tackles and catch passes out of the backfield would give the Cowboys the kind of versatility they need to have a dynamic offense. Pairing him with Pollard would create a nightmare matchup for defenses, as opposing coordinators would be forced to focus on two distinct types of runners with different skill sets. This dynamic duo could be exactly what Dallas needs to take its offense to the next level.
Addressing Long-Term Running Back Needs
The Cowboys are aware that the shelf life of running backs in the NFL is relatively short, especially when they carry the kind of workload that Pollard is projected to. By adding a talented, young back like Jeanty to the mix, the Cowboys would solidify their backfield for the future, ensuring they have a stable and reliable ground game for the years to come. Jeanty’s versatility would also allow him to serve as a long-term solution, capable of taking on a full workload as Pollard enters his prime.
Trade Up Scenarios: How the Cowboys Could Secure Jeanty
Given Jeanty’s rising stock, there’s a strong possibility that he may not be available at Dallas’ current draft position. The Cowboys will need to be aggressive in order to land him. Here are a few possible scenarios where the Cowboys could trade up to secure Jeanty.
1. Trading Up with the Top Picks
If the Cowboys want to ensure they get Jeanty, they may need to target one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cowboys, currently projected to pick in the middle of the first round, may need to jump ahead of teams in need of running backs.
In this scenario, Dallas could package their first-round pick with future assets, such as additional draft picks or players, to move up in the first round. The team might target a spot between picks 5-10, where Jeanty is likely to be selected. The key to this strategy would be finding a trade partner willing to move down, which could be difficult as other teams may also be interested in securing Jeanty’s services.
2. Trading with a Team Looking for a Quarterback
Another possible avenue for the Cowboys would be to trade with a team that is focused on selecting a quarterback. As the 2025 draft class is expected to be rich in quarterback talent, teams like the Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, or Las Vegas Raiders might be in the market for a new franchise signal-caller. In this case, Dallas could move up by swapping draft positions with a team in need of a quarterback while giving up additional future picks or players in return.
3. Targeting a Trade with a Rebuilding Team
Teams that are in a rebuilding phase or in need of additional draft capital may be more inclined to trade down with Dallas to maximize their future assets. Teams such as the Arizona Cardinals or Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are in the midst of rebuilding their rosters, could be potential trade partners. In this scenario, Dallas would look to move up a few spots to land Jeanty without giving up too much in terms of draft picks.
The Impact on the Dallas Cowboys
Securing Jeanty would be a significant move for the Dallas Cowboys, both in terms of on-field performance and future planning. Let’s take a look at how this move could impact the team:
Offensive Balance
A Jeanty-Pollard tandem would provide the Cowboys with one of the most balanced and dynamic backfields in the NFL. Both backs would be able to share the load and keep opposing defenses on their toes. Jeanty’s ability to contribute in all areas of the game—rushing, receiving, and blocking—would complement Pollard’s explosive playmaking ability. Together, they would form one of the most dangerous backfield duos in the NFL, making life much easier for Dak Prescott.
Super Bowl Contention
With Jeanty in the fold, the Cowboys would have a more complete offense capable of going toe-to-toe with the best teams in the NFC. The addition of a versatile running back could elevate the Cowboys to true Super Bowl contenders, providing Prescott with a balanced offense that can threaten defenses in multiple ways. With Jeanty and Pollard on the field, opposing defenses would struggle to know how to defend against the run and pass, opening up opportunities for the Cowboys to thrive in both the ground and air game.