The Dallas Cowboys have work to do in the 2025 NFL Draft. The team’s disappointing 2024 season can be mostly attributed to the season-ending injury suffered by franchise quarterback Dak Prescott in Week 9.
Look beyond that, and the Cowboys haven’t made it past the divisional round of the playoffs since Troy Aikman won his third Super Bowl at the end of the 1995 season.
In the latest three-round mock draft from PFSN’s Jacob Infante, Dallas upgrades the offense in Round 1, adding an element that was sorely missed in 2024.
Cowboys Predicted to Draft North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton in 2025 NFL Draft
The Cowboys neglected the running back position in 2024 and paid the price. After allowing Tony Pollard to leave in free agency, Dallas signed Ezekiel Elliott, despite the player having declined in almost every relevant category in two straight seasons.
That was after the team appeared to miss out on their top running-back target in the draft (see: Jerry Jones’ comments on Jonathon Brooks). Carolina subsequently traded up to take Brooks, and Dallas left the draft without adding to their running-back room.
According to Infante, the Cowboys could get more aggressive at the position this year, drafting North Carolina prospect Omarion Hampton in the first round. The decision is a no-brainer since Ashton Jeanty goes to the Raiders six picks earlier.
“With Jeanty off the board, the Dallas Cowboys lose out on their home-run pick at No. 12. That said, they won’t have to totally miss out on high-end running back talent in Round 1,” wrote Infante. “Omarion Hampton is a speedy, physical back who excels at finding open lanes between the tackles. He has bell cow potential and could prove to be a consistent 1,000-yard runner at the next level, which would be a welcome addition on the Cowboys’ offense.”
Hampton would completely transform the Cowboys’ running game, with uninspiring veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders — Dallas’ two big additions to the room in free agency — currently set to compete for the starting job.
What Would Omarion Hampton Bring To Dallas?
Hampton’s PFSN scouting report paints the picture of a perfectly balanced running back. Along with the size and aggression to earn the hard yards, Hampton possesses the explosiveness to make big plays and the elusiveness to make defenders miss.
Brentley Weissman wrote: “A violent, downhill runner, Hampton offers outstanding size, strength, and power. He is a power back first and foremost, but he offers excellent short area quickness and explosiveness. Hampton has a massive frame and is densely built to withstand contact and deliver punishment as tempo tempo-setting ball carrier.
“As an inside runner, Hampton displays very good patience and vision. He allows his blockers to get to their spots, patiently waiting as he scans the field, and then he explodes through the hole. Hampton has very good foot quickness and is light enough on his feet to sift through trash while working through the line of scrimmage.”
Hampton tallied 36 rushing touchdowns and four receiving scores over his three years in college, with 33 of those combined scores coming in his final two years. The Cowboys now have a resurgent Washington Commanders to worry about in the NFC East, as well as the reigning Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
And while Hampton wouldn’t fix all of Dallas’ problems, he’d be a great start.