**## Ashton Jeanty’s Cowboys Dream Sparks Firestorm: Jersey Number Demand Divides Fans**
Boise State superstar running back Ashton Jeanty has set the NFL world ablaze with a bold declaration: he wants the Dallas Cowboys to draft him—and he’s eyeing jersey No. 2, currently worn by veteran cornerback Jourdan Lewis. This dual request has ignited fierce debate among fans, analysts, and even teammates, raising questions about loyalty, legacy, and the Cowboys’ draft priorities.
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### **Jeanty’s Draft Aspiration: “Hometown Hero or Hypocrisy?”**
Jeanty, a Frisco, Texas native, made his Cowboys obsession clear after signing with Disruptive Sports: **“It’d be a dream to wear the star. And No. 2? That’s my number.”** The Heisman runner-up, who racked up 2,601 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2024, believes his explosive playstyle could revive Dallas’ stagnant ground game (ranked 27th in the NFL).
**But there’s a catch**: Jourdan Lewis, a nine-year Cowboys veteran and defensive leader, has worn No. 2 since 2022. Lewis, who earned the team’s “Unsung Leader Award” in 2024, is a locker room cornerstone. His response? A cryptic tweet: *“Numbers come and go… but respect is earned.”*
### **Fan Fury: “Respect Lewis vs. Embrace Jeanty”**
Social media erupted as Cowboys Nation split into factions:
– **Team Jeanty**: *“Lewis is a CB—give the number to a generational RB! #LetAshtonCook”*
– **Team Lewis**: *“Jourdan bled for this team. Jeanty hasn’t taken a snap! #RespectTheVet”*
– **Neutral Observers**: *“Jerry Jones loves drama. This is peak Cowboys.”*
Even analysts are divided. ESPN’s Adam Schefter called Jeanty a **“perfect fit”** for Dallas (via Bleacher Report), while The Athletic’s Dane Brugler mocked WR Luther Burden III to the Cowboys at No. 12, leaving Jeanty for Denver at No. 20.
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### **The Bigger Picture: Cowboys’ Draft Dilemma**
Dallas faces a franchise-defining choice:
1. **Draft Jeanty**: Inject life into a rushing attack that averaged just 100.3 yards per game. His 2,601-yard college season nearly broke Barry Sanders’ record.
2. **Address Other Needs**: Upgrade at WR2 (behind CeeDee Lamb) or bolster the defensive line, as mocked by analysts like Luke Easterling (Michigan’s Mason Graham).
New head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s emphasis on a balanced offense adds pressure. **“We want to run the ball,”** said EVP Stephen Jones, per SI. But is Jeanty worth the No. 12 pick—and a locker room rift?
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### **JerseyGate: NFL Precedent and Player Power**
While rookies often inherit numbers from veterans (see: Tom Brady’s Michigan-to-Patriots No. 10 swap), Lewis’ tenure complicates matters. Since 2022, he’s started 51 games and ranked among PFF’s top-five coverage corners in 2024. Forcing him to relinquish No. 2 could alienate the defense.
**Possible Outcomes**:
– **Peaceful Transition**: Lewis voluntarily switches numbers (he’s worn 26/27 before).
– **Front Office Mandate**: Jerry Jones overrules, prioritizing Jeanty’s marketability.
– **Draft Day Surprise**: Cowboys pass on Jeanty, avoiding the conflict entirely.
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### **Conclusion: A Star-Studded Soap Opera**
Ashton Jeanty’s Cowboys dream is more than a draft storyline—it’s a litmus test for Dallas’ future. Will they prioritize immediate star power over locker room chemistry? Or will Jourdan Lewis’ legacy prevail in a battle of respect vs. ambition?
With the draft 81 days away, one thing is certain: The Cowboys’ drama has already gone viral. Whether Jeanty dons No. 2 or not, this saga ensures America’s Team remains center stage.
*Will Jerry Jones risk it all for a hometown hero? Or will loyalty to Lewis define Dallas’ next chapter? The debate is just beginning.* 
