Cowboys 7-round mock draft: Dallas selects the best running back In the offense-powered class, Ashton Jeanty
The NFL draft is one of the most crucial periods for any team to bolster its roster and make the necessary improvements that will set it up for success in the coming season. For the Dallas Cowboys, who are constantly looking to add depth and talent to their already competitive roster, this year’s draft could be pivotal, particularly in the offensive department. In this 7-round mock draft, we’ll explore how the Cowboys could capitalize on the offensive talent available, including selecting one of the most dynamic running backs in the draft class—Ashton Jeanty.
Dallas Cowboys Draft Philosophy
The Dallas Cowboys, under general manager Jerry Jones and head coach Mike McCarthy, have consistently focused on maintaining a strong, balanced team, both offensively and defensively. The team has a formidable defensive unit, led by a defensive line that features standouts like Micah Parsons, and a secondary that continues to develop into one of the league’s most complete groups.
On offense, the Cowboys have one of the most talented quarterbacks in Dak Prescott, who has been the leader of the offense for several years now. They also boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, anchored by veterans like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, though the retirement of Martin could change the landscape of their O-line in the future. Wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is a rising star, and the Cowboys have bolstered the receiving corps with players like Brandin Cooks. However, despite these strengths, the Cowboys have shown signs of needing a consistent and dynamic running back to complement their passing game and take pressure off Prescott.
In this 2025 NFL draft, the Cowboys will likely look to strengthen their offense, particularly the running back position, which has been a consistent need in recent years. With the selection of Ashton Jeanty, Dallas could give their offense a new dimension while also upgrading their ground game.
Ashton Jeanty: The Perfect Fit for the Cowboys’ Offense
Ashton Jeanty, a running back with a complete skill set and impressive college career, is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Boise State star has demonstrated all the traits that NFL scouts look for in a modern running back: speed, vision, and pass-catching ability. His versatility would make him a perfect fit for the Cowboys’ offense, which often utilizes running backs in various ways.
Jeanty’s Strengths
- Vision and Patience: Jeanty has excellent vision as a runner, able to wait for holes to open up and then burst through them. He’s adept at following his offensive line and picking up yards when plays aren’t perfectly blocked. His patience behind the line allows him to wait for blocks to develop, often resulting in positive gains.
- Speed and Explosion: Jeanty has great straight-line speed and an ability to hit the hole quickly. His acceleration and top-end speed make him a dangerous weapon in space, and he has the ability to break off long runs when given an opportunity. His quickness will add a different dynamic to the Cowboys’ rushing attack, which has lacked a true home-run threat in recent seasons.
- Pass Catching: A major reason Jeanty stands out in this class is his ability to contribute in the passing game. In today’s NFL, running backs must be able to function as weapons in the passing game, whether it’s catching check-downs, running screens, or even running wheel routes down the field. Jeanty excels in this area, offering a dual-threat option that can help extend the Cowboys’ offense and create mismatches with linebackers in coverage.
- Physicality and Toughness: While Jeanty is a speedy back, he also runs with physicality. He isn’t afraid to absorb contact and push forward for extra yards after initial contact. His strength allows him to churn out tough yards in short-yardage situations and helps him to break tackles in the open field.
- Durability: In college, Jeanty demonstrated impressive durability, rarely missing games and taking on a heavy workload. The Cowboys will need a running back they can rely on week in and week out, and Jeanty’s ability to handle a high volume of carries will be crucial to the Cowboys’ offense.
Jeanty’s Fit with the Cowboys’ Offensive Scheme
Dallas runs an offense that is based on balance—committing to the run to set up the pass. In recent years, they’ve had success with running backs like Ezekiel Elliott, but with the declining performance of Elliott in recent seasons, they’ve struggled to find a consistent playmaker at running back. The addition of Jeanty would allow the Cowboys to get back to their ground-and-pound roots while simultaneously opening up more opportunities in the passing game.
Jeanty is the type of back who can thrive behind a talented offensive line. His patience and vision will allow him to follow blocks and pick up yards in both outside and inside zone concepts, which is a major part of the Cowboys’ offensive scheme. Additionally, his ability to catch passes out of the backfield would be a boon for Prescott, who could use Jeanty as a reliable safety valve on third downs or in short-yardage situations.
With the Cowboys already having a potent passing game featuring Prescott and Lamb, Jeanty could help balance out the offense and make the Cowboys even more dangerous, especially in situations where they need to grind out a tough yard or two to move the chains.
Dallas Cowboys 7-Round Mock Draft (2025)
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of adding a player like Ashton Jeanty, let’s take a look at how the entire 7-round mock draft for the Cowboys might unfold, focusing on areas where they need to improve.
Round 1: Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
As mentioned, Jeanty would be a perfect fit for the Cowboys, and in this mock draft, we have the team selecting him with their first-round pick. His ability to contribute as a rusher, receiver, and pass protector would give the Cowboys the all-around talent they need in the backfield. His selection here allows the Cowboys to add a dynamic weapon while still keeping the offense grounded in the running game.
Round 2: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State
The Cowboys could use a receiver to complement CeeDee Lamb, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba offers incredible upside as a route runner. His quickness and separation ability would make him a great weapon in the slot, giving Dak Prescott another reliable option in the passing game. Smith-Njigba has proven to be one of the top receivers in this class, and his skill set would work well alongside Lamb, especially in situations where the Cowboys need to generate quick yards.
Round 3: O’Cyrus Torrence, OG, Florida
With the potential retirement of Zack Martin, the Cowboys would be wise to draft an offensive guard to help anchor the line for the future. O’Cyrus Torrence is one of the best interior offensive linemen in the draft and would provide immediate competition for a starting role. His ability to play both the run and pass block would help solidify the offensive line and offer protection for Dak Prescott.
Round 4: Tyrique Stevenson, CB, Miami
The Cowboys could use a cornerback to provide depth behind Trevon Diggs and Stephon Gilmore. Tyrique Stevenson is a physical corner with the ability to cover both short and deep routes. His athleticism and ball skills would allow him to thrive in Dan Quinn’s defensive scheme. Stevenson’s upside as a developmental prospect makes him a valuable pick in the fourth round.
Round 5: Tuli Tuipulotu, EDGE, USC
With Micah Parsons providing pressure on opposing quarterbacks, the Cowboys would be wise to add another edge rusher to their rotation. Tuli Tuipulotu is a powerful and versatile pass rusher who can line up both inside and outside. His motor and ability to generate pressure would help the Cowboys keep opposing quarterbacks uncomfortable throughout the game.
Round 6: Michael Trigg, TE, Ole Miss
While the Cowboys have solidified the tight end position with players like Jake Ferguson and Peyton Hendershot, Michael Trigg’s potential as a receiving tight end makes him an intriguing option in the sixth round. Trigg is a strong route runner with good hands, and his ability to stretch the field could be a valuable asset in the red zone.
Round 7: Nolan Smith, OT, Georgia
To wrap up the draft, the Cowboys grab Nolan Smith, a developmental offensive tackle. Smith has great size and strength and can compete for depth at the position while continuing to grow and improve in the NFL. He provides quality insurance for the offensive line should injuries arise.
