The Dallas Cowboys visited with these NFL prospects at the Combine, and this is why running back Ashton Jeanty isn’t one of them.

As the NFL Combine approaches every year, anticipation builds for teams to discover potential stars of tomorrow. For the Dallas Cowboys, the Combine is not just an opportunity to evaluate the top draft prospects, but also a chance to fine-tune their strategy for building a team that can contend for the Super Bowl. With their rich history, passionate fan base, and strong front office, the Cowboys are always a team that garners significant attention during the draft process.

This year, the Cowboys have taken an interest in a number of prospects across several positions, aiming to strengthen their already talented roster. However, one notable name that hasn’t surfaced among the team’s reported Combine visits is Ashton Jeanty, a dynamic running back from Boise State. While many fans and analysts have wondered why Jeanty isn’t being closely considered by the Cowboys, the answer lies in a combination of strategic roster decisions, positional needs, and other player evaluations that ultimately shape the team’s draft decisions.

In this article, we will break down the Cowboys’ current roster situation, their reported Combine interests, and explore why Jeanty might not fit into their plans despite being a standout prospect.

The Dallas Cowboys: Roster Dynamics and Team Needs

The Dallas Cowboys have been one of the most consistent teams in the NFL in recent years, bolstered by a roster filled with talented players on both sides of the ball. As one of the league’s most competitive teams, the Cowboys have built a strong foundation through the draft, free agency, and trade acquisitions, all while managing to keep their key players in place.

Offensive Depth
The Cowboys have a potent offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott, who is supported by an impressive receiving corps, including CeeDee Lamb, Michael Gallup, and the versatile Tony Pollard in the backfield. Despite their offensive prowess, the running back position has undergone some changes in recent seasons. Ezekiel Elliott, once the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ offense, has been a subject of debate, particularly as his production has slowed. Although Elliott is still on the roster at the time of writing, the Cowboys have increasingly relied on Pollard as their feature back.

Pollard has shown an impressive ability to handle a larger workload, showcasing both speed and explosiveness as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. In 2023, Pollard ran for 1,007 yards, adding another 370 yards receiving, and found the end zone 12 times. However, Pollard is coming off an ankle injury sustained in the 2023 playoffs, and there is a sense that the Cowboys may look for additional depth at the position. This leaves open the possibility of adding another running back through the draft.

Despite Pollard’s breakout year, the Cowboys may still be interested in adding depth or even a potential starter in the backfield. However, the question arises: how does Ashton Jeanty fit into this picture?

Ashton Jeanty: The Prospect and His Strengths

Ashton Jeanty from Boise State is a dynamic and exciting prospect who has generated buzz among draft analysts. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing in at around 195 pounds, Jeanty is a compact, quick, and versatile running back who has excelled at multiple aspects of the game during his college career. His vision, lateral agility, and speed allow him to break off big runs, while his ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a dangerous weapon in the passing game.

In 2023, Jeanty rushed for over 1,100 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also accumulating another 400 yards through the air. He displayed the type of acceleration that would allow him to thrive in a system that values outside runs, zone blocking, and receiving backs—qualities that are highly sought after by NFL teams. Jeanty’s speed, combined with his patience as a ball carrier, made him one of the most intriguing mid-round running back prospects in the draft class.

Why Jeanty Isn’t a Fit for the Dallas Cowboys

1. Already Strong Running Back Room

The Cowboys’ running back room already has one of the most explosive players in the NFL in Tony Pollard. Pollard’s versatility and ability to make plays as both a runner and a pass catcher make him an invaluable asset. With Pollard locked into a prominent role and coming off an impressive season, it’s clear that he is the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ running game moving forward.

Adding another running back to the mix might not seem like the most pressing need for the team, especially when there are other positions that could use immediate attention, such as the offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive line. While Jeanty is an exciting prospect, it’s unlikely that the Cowboys would prioritize selecting another running back unless they feel Pollard’s recovery from injury will limit his effectiveness or if they need a more traditional, power-running complement to Pollard’s skill set.

2. Positional Value and Draft Strategy

When it comes to building a team, the Cowboys need to be strategic with their draft picks, especially in the early rounds. Running back is a position that, while important, is often not valued as highly in the first few rounds in today’s NFL. In recent seasons, teams have increasingly relied on committees of running backs, often selecting players on Day 2 or Day 3 of the draft. With Pollard as their primary option, the Cowboys may be looking for a running back with a specific skill set—perhaps a more physical or downhill runner to complement Pollard’s agility and finesse—rather than someone with a similar playstyle like Jeanty.

As much as Jeanty has proven himself to be a versatile and dynamic weapon in the backfield, the Cowboys may look to target a player who can provide a different element in the running game, such as a powerful, between-the-tackles back who can take some of the load off Pollard when needed. This would allow them to keep Pollard fresh and maximize his skill set, without relying on another back with a similar skill set.

3. Depth at Other Positions

The Cowboys are in a position where they need to strengthen areas beyond just the running back position. The NFL draft is all about filling specific needs, and while Jeanty is an excellent prospect, the Cowboys may prioritize other areas where depth and talent are more pressing. For example, the offensive line has been a major talking point, as the Cowboys have experienced injuries and inconsistency in their line play over the past seasons. Additionally, the team has been in need of another top-tier wide receiver to pair with CeeDee Lamb, as well as help on the defensive side of the ball.

With these needs in mind, it’s understandable why Jeanty may not be a priority for the Cowboys in the draft. Even though he could contribute as a change-of-pace back or in certain packages, his skill set doesn’t necessarily align with the team’s immediate needs, especially when the Cowboys already have a high-ceiling player in Pollard and have addressed other positions in recent drafts.

4. Pollard’s Recovery and Focus on Versatility

Despite concerns over Pollard’s ankle injury, it’s important to note that the Cowboys are likely confident in his ability to bounce back. He’s shown the capability to be a three-down back and a major factor in both the rushing and passing game. Pollard’s versatility is crucial for the Cowboys’ offensive scheme, and his ability to line up as both a traditional running back and a receiver out of the backfield allows the offense to remain unpredictable.

Given Pollard’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game, it might make more sense for the Cowboys to invest in a complementary running back, one who can provide a different dynamic to the offense, rather than bringing in a player like Jeanty who brings similar attributes to Pollard’s.

5. Jeanty’s Ceiling and NFL Projection

While Jeanty’s college tape is impressive, his lack of top-tier physical traits, such as elite size and power, could be limiting factors for his NFL potential, especially in a league where physicality and explosiveness at the running back position are highly prized. Some scouts have raised concerns about his ability to handle a full workload at the NFL level, given his size and the competition he faced in college.

Though Jeanty’s skills as a pass catcher and his ability to make defenders miss in space are undeniable, there are questions about how his game will translate to the NFL. For a team like the Cowboys, which already has a dynamic player in Pollard, Jeanty may not offer a significant enough difference to warrant a high draft pick, especially given his ceiling in comparison to other prospects.

 Jeanty’s Place in the NFL Draft

In the end, the Dallas Cowboys have a lot of factors to consider as they approach the 2024 NFL Draft. While Ashton Jeanty has been impressive throughout his college career, the team’s current roster dynamics, draft strategy, and positional needs suggest that Jeanty might not be a priority. With Pollard recovering from injury, the Cowboys’ focus will likely shift to addressing other key areas of their team.

That being said, Jeanty could still find a home elsewhere in the NFL. His skills as a pass-catching back and his ability to make defenders miss could make him a valuable asset to another team looking for depth and versatility in the backfield. Whether he lands with a contender or a rebuilding team, Jeanty’s future in the NFL remains bright—but it’s clear that the Dallas Cowboys, for now, will be focusing on other areas of their roster.