CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell believes that the Dallas Cowboys could be in play for the talents of Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty in the 2025 NFL Draft, due in part to the injury of star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. Earlier in the week, the Cowboys decided to shut down Lamb for the remainder of the campaign due to a lingering shoulder injury now that they’ve officially been eliminated from playoff contention.
Jeanty has been seen as a strong fit for Dallas for most of the draft cycle due to the lack of a high-profile star in the backfield. Lamb’s injury could see the Cowboys’ draft position increase, keeping them in the conversation for college football’s top running back.
Could the Cowboys Draft Ashton Jeanty?
Podell explained how Dallas has been interested in the crop of receivers available in the NFL Draft. Yet, he detailed how Jeanty could fall to the Cowboys, especially with Lamb’s absence to close the year.
“They [the Cowboys] are pushing their pick into the teens,” Podell said. “And it’ll be interesting to see, how much value does a running back have in 2025?”.
Winning four games with backup quarterback Cooper Rush under center has hurt Dallas’ draft pick, likely locking it out of the top 10. This could make the selection of a running back more palatable, as the position draws more criticism with more valuable picks.
There’s still time to improve that selection, though. With Lamb out, the offense will be weakened for the remaining contests against the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders. Two losses could help the Cowboys climb to No. 10.
Ashton Jeanty 2025 NFL Draft Projection
While it is far too early to pencil in Jeanty or any other prospect to Dallas, most agree that a running back is an offseason need, and thus, a conversation in Round 1.
In Pro Football Network’s recent 2025 NFL Mock Draft, Jeanty was selected 15th by America’s Team.
“That sound you hear is Dallas Cowboys fans and dynasty managers celebrating,” Alex Kennedy wrote. “Dallas is currently starting 26-year-old Rico Dowdle and mixing in 29-year-old Ezekiel Elliott. Dowdle has been solid at times, but he isn’t an RB1…
“Jeanty has the baseline vision, explosiveness, and physicality that offensive coordinators covet. His agility, lower-body flexibility, post-cut explosiveness, effortless contact balance, and spatial understanding and feel make him almost a one-of-one prospect. He is a complete three-down volume back with the devastating creative ability to give defenses nightmares for years on end. Also, let’s be honest, Jerry Jones won’t be able to resist.”
Dowdle has flashed at times, but the opportunity to add a high-end playmaker could be too lucrative to pass on.