Dallas Cowboys Speculative Goal Ashton Jeanty Clearly Indicates His Favorite NFL Landing Spot

Dallas Cowboys Speculative Goal: Ashton Jeanty Clearly Indicates His Favorite NFL Landing Spot

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the spotlight intensifies on rising stars who could have a significant impact at the next level. Among the many prospects under consideration, one name that has been steadily gaining traction is Ashton Jeanty, the dynamic running back from Boise State. Known for his blend of vision, explosiveness, and versatility, Jeanty has become a favorite among analysts, scouts, and fans alike. However, despite interest from various teams across the league, Jeanty has made his preferences clear—he has a favorite landing spot in mind, and that landing spot is none other than the Dallas Cowboys.

While it may seem speculative at first glance, the connection between Ashton Jeanty and the Cowboys is not as far-fetched as it may initially appear. For a team that has long been associated with a strong running game, the Cowboys represent an ideal landing spot for the versatile back. In this article, we will examine why Jeanty’s desired destination may indeed be a match made in football heaven, highlighting his skill set, the Cowboys’ needs, and how this potential pairing could reshape the Dallas offense for years to come.

Ashton Jeanty: The Rising Star

Before diving into the potential Cowboys connection, it’s important to understand why Ashton Jeanty has been generating so much buzz heading into the NFL Draft. Jeanty’s collegiate career at Boise State was nothing short of impressive. Over the course of his three seasons with the Broncos, he amassed over 2,700 total yards from scrimmage, showcasing a balanced ability to both run and catch the ball. His 5’10”, 200-pound frame is compact yet powerful, allowing him to run between the tackles while also being elusive enough to break off long runs.

Versatility as a Weapon

One of Jeanty’s most appealing qualities is his versatility. Unlike many traditional running backs who specialize solely in rushing, Jeanty is a true dual-threat. During his time at Boise State, he proved to be a legitimate weapon both in the backfield and as a receiver. Jeanty totaled 500+ receiving yards during his final season, showing that he can be a threat in the passing game out of the backfield. His route-running ability and hands out of the backfield are solid, making him an ideal candidate to be used on screens, checkdowns, and even lining up in the slot on occasion.

The combination of his balance, vision, acceleration, and hands makes Jeanty a player who can contribute immediately at the NFL level. In today’s pass-heavy league, teams are increasingly looking for running backs who can offer more than just power on the ground—they need players who can stretch the field and contribute to the passing game. Jeanty’s skill set fits this mold perfectly.

Explosiveness and Vision

Jeanty is often described as a player who can make defenders miss in tight spaces. His ability to read the field and make defenders miss with sharp cuts and agility is remarkable. Whether he’s working through the trenches or finding a seam on the outside, Jeanty can create explosive plays from nearly any situation. His vision allows him to patiently wait for running lanes to develop, which makes him a reliable ball carrier who doesn’t force plays but lets the game come to him.

These traits are crucial for a running back at the next level, where the competition is fierce, and a player’s ability to make an impact in a variety of situations will determine their success. Jeanty’s blend of patience and explosiveness gives him a high ceiling in the NFL, especially in a dynamic offensive system.

Why Dallas Cowboys Are an Ideal Landing Spot

The connection between Jeanty and the Cowboys makes sense from a variety of perspectives. The Dallas Cowboys, under head coach Mike McCarthy and offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, have built a system that emphasizes the ground game and uses the running back position to keep defenses on their heels. With star running back Ezekiel Elliott no longer a focal point of the offense and Tony Pollard entering a contract year, the Cowboys have a need for a young, talented running back who can contribute in multiple ways.

Replacing Ezekiel Elliott’s Role

Ezekiel Elliott, once a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense, has seen a decline in production in recent seasons. While Elliott remains a strong and reliable runner, his contract and age make it increasingly unlikely that he will be the long-term solution at the position. The Cowboys have already begun to shift their focus to Tony Pollard, who has provided a spark as both a runner and receiver. However, Pollard is also entering the final year of his rookie contract, leaving the team in a position where they may need to prepare for life without him.

This is where Jeanty comes in. As an explosive and versatile running back, Jeanty could fill a similar role to Pollard, contributing as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. Pollard has shown that he can be an asset in the passing game, and Jeanty’s skill set would allow him to seamlessly step into a similar role, giving the Cowboys a versatile weapon to pair with Pollard.

Moreover, Jeanty’s ability to contribute on third downs and in passing situations would help diversify the Cowboys’ offensive playbook. By adding a player like Jeanty, the Cowboys could maintain a fast-paced, balanced offense, capable of striking quickly through both the air and the ground.

The Cowboys’ Offensive Philosophy: Play Action and More

Dallas has long been a team that uses the run game to set up its passing attack. Under McCarthy’s offensive scheme, the Cowboys have focused on using play-action passing to open up opportunities for deep throws to wide receivers and tight ends. This play-action philosophy has been a key part of their success in recent years, but it also requires a running back who can keep defenses honest.

Jeanty, with his ability to explode through the line of scrimmage, is exactly the type of player who could take advantage of play-action scenarios. By establishing a credible rushing attack, he could help create favorable passing windows for Dak Prescott, enabling him to attack defenses more effectively. In addition, Jeanty’s versatility as a receiver means that the Cowboys could create mismatches against linebackers and defensive backs who are tasked with covering him in space.

Jeanty could line up alongside Pollard in two-back sets, or he could be used as a primary back while Pollard is deployed as a receiver in the slot or out wide. The ability to mix and match these two talents would make the Cowboys’ offense far more unpredictable and difficult to defend against.

Dak Prescott’s Best Friend

Quarterback Dak Prescott is another key reason why Jeanty should be attracted to Dallas. Prescott has proven himself to be a capable and dynamic quarterback, but like any good quarterback, he thrives when given the right weapons. The addition of a dynamic, dual-threat running back would give Prescott another weapon to help elevate the offense.

As previously mentioned, Prescott has benefitted from having versatile running backs in the past, but none of them have been true threats as both runners and receivers. Jeanty could fill that gap, providing Prescott with a safety valve when plays break down and another outlet for quick throws in the passing game. This relationship could help maximize Prescott’s effectiveness, as he would have a more well-rounded offense at his disposal.

Ashton Jeanty’s Preferences: Why He Wants Dallas

While many prospects are simply looking to get drafted, Ashton Jeanty’s public statements and interviews have shown that he has a clear preference for landing with the Dallas Cowboys. Whether it’s the opportunity to play for a historic franchise with a strong culture or the chance to contribute immediately in a high-powered offense, Jeanty sees Dallas as a perfect match for his skill set.

For one, Jeanty’s preference for Dallas could stem from the team’s long-standing commitment to the run game. As someone who excels in a zone-blocking system and can break tackles with ease, Jeanty might see the Cowboys as an ideal platform to showcase his talents. Additionally, the opportunity to play alongside a top-tier quarterback like Prescott and alongside a proven offensive line makes Dallas an attractive destination for any skilled running back.

Furthermore, Jeanty may be drawn to the Cowboys’ consistent playoff contention. Playing for a team that has a clear path to the postseason could be a motivating factor for Jeanty, who no doubt wants to make an immediate impact at the next level. The Cowboys’ high-profile status also means that a player like Jeanty would get plenty of exposure and the chance to showcase his skills on a national stage.