The Cowboys have historically shown a penchant for making significant draft investments in their backfield, the most notable being Ezekiel Elliott, whom they picked in the top five back in 2016. Elliott’s contribution over eight seasons with the team underscores Dallas’ ability to leverage high draft picks into long-term assets. However, the landscape seems to have shifted in recent years.
According to Marcus Mosher, a seasoned beat reporter for the Cowboys, the team appears to be content with their current depth at the running back position. Mosher, through his X/Twitter account, clarified that it’s improbable for Ashton Jeanty to be Dallas’ first-round pick. “The franchise seems to be looking towards adding depth in the later rounds, rather than using a high pick on a running back,” he noted. This revelation aligns with the broader league trend where the value placed on running backs appears to be diminishing, as evidenced by the 2024 NFL Draft where no running back was selected on the first night.
Draft Trends and Strategic Shifts
The 2025 NFL Draft boards have seen Jeanty’s name linked with several teams, including the New Orleans Saints, the Denver Broncos, and indeed, the Dallas Cowboys. Each team’s decision will ultimately depend on their respective draft day strategies. For the Cowboys, the last significant investment in a first-round running back was back in 2016, which suggests a shift in their drafting philosophy over the years.
Previous reports, including insights from John Machota of The Athletic during the NFL scouting combine, have also indicated a similar sentiment. “Though running back is one of Dallas’ biggest needs, it doesn’t sound like they view it as their top priority at No. 12,” Machota reported. He suggested that the team might target a running back in the second or third rounds as the 2025 class is considered strong in this position, making a high pick for Jeanty less likely.
The Combine Signals
Perhaps the most telling indicator of the Cowboys’ draft intentions came at the NFL scouting combine. The team did not meet with Jeanty, which is often a significant signal of a team’s interest (or lack thereof) in a player. Such meetings are usually a precursor to drafting decisions, and the absence of interaction between Jeanty and the Cowboys could be a clear sign of their drafting direction.
Looking Ahead for the Cowboys
While the allure of securing a potentially game-changing running back like Ashton Jeanty is undeniable, the Cowboys seem set on a path that diverges from an early investment in this position. With a strategy that likely involves bolstering their squad depth in the later rounds, the Cowboys are positioning themselves for a draft that supports their long-term team dynamics rather than opting for immediate star power.
As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on how these strategies will unfold, not just for the Cowboys but for all the teams in the running for top talents like Jeanty. The shifting priorities in team compositions and the evolving role of the running back in NFL strategies will undoubtedly continue to make the draft a captivating spectacle for fans and analysts alike.
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