One of the biggest questions heading into this year’s NFL Draft is what the Dallas Cowboys will do with the 12th overall pick. The franchise will have a wide range of strong options to consider and will likely weigh which direction adds the most long-term value to the roster.
A former Cowboys player and Pro Bowler weighed in on the situation, publicly calling on Jerry Jones to make a move that could ignite the offense heading into next season.
Jaylon Smith Believes Dallas Should Target Ashton Jeanty in the Draft
During an appearance on “Good Morning Football”, former NFL linebacker Jaylon Smith shared his thoughts on the position the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in heading into the upcoming draft.
Smith suggested the franchise could once again be interested in drafting a running back — a move they made back in 2016, the same year he was selected.
.@thejaylonsmith talks about how the @dallascowboys need a running back and have always had a special connection with @BroncoSportsFB talent 😏👀 pic.twitter.com/UsWRaeoW2o
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) April 11, 2025
“So back in 2016, when I was drafted, I was drafted second round, Dak was drafted in the same class, but our No. 4 overall pick was Ezekiel Elliott, a running back. Dallas Cowboys need a running back.”
The top prospect at the position this year is Ashton Jeanty,who racked up an incredible 56 total touchdowns and 5,620 scrimmage yards over just three seasons at Boise State. His extraordinary production made him the standout running back in college football last season, even earning him Heisman Trophy consideration as one of the nation’s top players.
Smith pointed out that one thing that could bring Jeanty closer to the Cowboys is the franchise’s strong connection with Boise State — a program that has produced several players for Dallas over the years.
“I played with Kellen Moore, who was the quarterback at Boise State, and I was coached by him as the offensive coordinator in Dallas. Leighton Vander Esch was a Boise State player. Demarcus Lawrence, Tyrone Crawford, there’s some Boise State connection, and I think Dallas is ready to make a real push come draft night.”
Drafting Jeanty with the 12th overall pick would be a direct response to their biggest rival — the Philadelphia Eagles — who signed Saquon Barkley last season and went on to win the Super Bowl in a historic year for the running back. It’s the kind of impact Dallas has been searching for since 1995, the last time the franchise won a championship.
Jeanty is described as a versatile running back who blends physicality with speed, burst, and field vision. Capable of contributing in the passing game and known for his commitment as a blocker, Jeanty is the kind of prospect who can immediately elevate any offense. You can find his full scouting report in this article from PFSN.