FRISCO — The Dallas Cowboys have long been the favored destination for star running back prospect Ashton Jeanty. A former high school football player in Frisco, Texas, Jeanty has not been shy about his desire for a homecoming come draft night.
For a while, it seemed Jeanty would get his wish. Many early mock projections had him going to the Cowboys at No. 12.
But as the Cowboys’ abundance of needs has grown more clear and Jeanty’s stock has risen, that reality has become more unlikely. Jeanty could very well go in the top six, potentially to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Cowboys are in need of a young running back and Jeanty would certainly address that early on. However, some believe that Dallas could be dodging a bullet with these changes.
FanSided’s Cody Williams noted each team’s possible first round “botch job,” claiming that the Cowboys could find themselves in such a position if they select Jeanty.
“If he’s there, the Cowboys should pass. Not only is this a deep running back class in the draft but Dallas has more pressing needs at receiver, edge rusher, cornerback and so on. Dallas fans should be upset if Jeanty or any other back is the team’s first-rounder.”
Now the first part of that stance is certainly debatable. The Cowboys have holes everywhere and in discussion of what they could do at No. 12, there is a world of options.
Regardless, they are guaranteed a talented player and one that should generate some excitement. However, there should be no disappointment in snagging a top player at his position in the first round of the draft.
Jeanty is rising up draft boards for a reason. Cowboys fans may have some cause for concern given the history with Ezekiel Elliott, but it feels less likely they get burned here on a poor evaluation.
It is certainly a big decision for Jerry Jones, Stephen Jones, Will McClay, Brian Schottenheimer and all involved. Dallas must get a contributing piece on either side of the ball.
Whether that is Jeanty or not matters little at the end of the day. Acquiring talent that will produce means most.
