Inside the Cowboys’ Draft-Day Drama—Why Ashton Jeanty Could Change Everything

The connection between Ashton Jeanty and the Dallas Cowboys dates back to his high school days when the Frisco native played games at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco. This relationship has gained more attention since the conclusion of the college football season and the beginning of early draft predictions. With the Cowboys in need of a running back, Jeanty appeared to be a natural fit for the team.

The speculation intensified when Jeanty openly expressed his desire to join the Cowboys. He has made it clear that he hopes for a homecoming and wants to be Dallas’ next running back. However, in recent months, the excitement surrounding a potential Jeanty-Cowboys partnership has cooled. Meanwhile, Jeanty’s draft stock continues to rise, with some projections suggesting he could be selected as early as the No. 6 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders.

For the Cowboys, this situation presents interesting options at their No. 12 draft position. While the team has other roster needs to address, they could still target Jeanty if available. If not, trading back to acquire additional draft capital could be a strategic move. NFL.com draft analyst Chad Reuter suggests that a trade with the Denver Broncos could benefit both teams. In his projection, the Cowboys would exchange their No. 12 pick and a fifth-round selection for Denver’s first and second-round picks.

Reuter argues that trading down could be a smart move if Jeanty is unavailable when Dallas is on the clock. Alternatively, the Cowboys could use the No. 12 pick to select other promising prospects such as wide receivers Matthew Golden or Tetairoa McMillan. However, the opportunity to gain a mid-second-round pick may be enticing enough for Dallas to consider moving down the draft board.

Ultimately, the Cowboys face a critical decision regarding their draft strategy. Whether they prioritize securing Jeanty, select another talented player, or trade down for additional value, their actions will significantly shape the team’s future. With Jeanty’s potential and the team’s pressing needs, all eyes will be on Dallas as the draft approaches.