Is Ashton Jeanty off the Cowboys’ running back board? Inside the Dallas dilemma

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys face an intriguing and somewhat perplexing dilemma regarding their running back situation. A key question that has emerged in recent months is whether Ashton Jeanty, the dynamic Boise State running back, is still on the Cowboys’ radar for the upcoming draft. The Cowboys have long been a team with a strong running game, historically built around big names like Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, but in recent seasons, the landscape of the NFL running back market has shifted. With some teams de-emphasizing the position or seeking value at it, the Cowboys are now grappling with a range of possibilities — from maintaining their established offensive identity to potentially rethinking their approach to the running back position entirely.

In this article, we’ll delve into the factors that could affect whether Jeanty is still on Dallas’ draft board, examine the Cowboys’ current situation at running back, and analyze how their decision on Jeanty could influence their draft strategy and future success.

The Cowboys’ Running Back Situation: Past and Present

To understand the dilemma surrounding Jeanty, it’s important to first take a look at the Cowboys’ current roster and how their running back situation has evolved over the years.

Historically, Dallas has been known for a dominant running game, with the franchise producing elite backs who could control the clock and establish offensive balance. Ezekiel Elliott, drafted fourth overall in 2016, was a workhorse back for the Cowboys for years, contributing heavily to the team’s success. However, the Cowboys’ decision to move on from Elliott in 2023 marked the end of an era. Although Elliott’s production had diminished in recent seasons, his departure left a void in the backfield.

With Elliott’s release, the Cowboys placed more faith in Tony Pollard, who had earned a reputation as an explosive and versatile playmaker in the backfield. Pollard’s breakout 2022 season, where he rushed for 1,007 yards and 9 touchdowns while also contributing as a receiver, made him a valuable asset for the Cowboys. However, Pollard’s role has become more complex in the aftermath of Elliott’s departure.

In 2023, Pollard was given the full-time starting role, but the lack of a true backup behind him raised concerns about durability. Pollard, while undoubtedly talented, is not built to carry the full workload of a feature back for an entire season. The Cowboys’ offense at times appeared one-dimensional without a strong complement to Pollard’s style.

To address this, the Cowboys brought in Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle as secondary options, but neither has been able to consistently contribute at a high level. As the 2025 season nears, Dallas knows it needs more depth at running back if it hopes to compete for a deep playoff run. This is where Ashton Jeanty comes into play.

Ashton Jeanty: A Rising Star in the Running Back Market

Ashton Jeanty has quickly become one of the most intriguing running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class. The Boise State standout is known for his explosive speed, vision, and playmaking ability, making him an attractive option for teams looking for a running back who can contribute both as a rusher and a receiver. At Boise State, Jeanty had a standout career, rushing for over 2,000 yards and contributing to the team’s offensive success in a variety of ways.

Key Strengths of Ashton Jeanty

Jeanty’s best attributes are his speed and agility. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing around 200 pounds, he’s compact but quick, with the ability to burst through gaps and make defenders miss in the open field. His lateral quickness and vision allow him to make sharp cuts and read defenses, and his ability to accelerate once he hits the second level makes him a potential home-run threat on every carry.

Additionally, Jeanty is a capable receiver out of the backfield, a skill that’s becoming increasingly valuable in today’s NFL. He’s not only a dynamic runner but also someone who can line up in the slot and contribute as a pass-catching weapon. This versatility makes him an attractive option for teams looking to modernize their offense and incorporate more multi-dimensional running backs into their schemes.

On top of his on-field talents, Jeanty has been praised for his leadership and work ethic, qualities that would fit well within the Cowboys’ locker room culture. He’s a player who has proven he can handle the workload of being the focal point of an offense, and his maturity in college should help him transition smoothly to the NFL.

The Case for Jeanty in Dallas

Given the Cowboys’ need for a reliable backup to Tony Pollard, Jeanty could provide that spark. He has the potential to be a solid 1-2 punch with Pollard in the backfield, offering a change-of-pace option that could help take some of the pressure off Pollard as the team’s primary running back. His versatility as a runner and receiver would also allow offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (or whoever takes over in the 2025 season) to implement creative schemes that keep defenses guessing. Jeanty’s ability to contribute both in the running game and in the passing game would allow the Cowboys to remain unpredictable and difficult to defend against.

Dallas could also look to Jeanty as an insurance policy in case Pollard struggles with injuries. As a player who has proven he can handle a large workload in college, Jeanty has the durability to step in and carry the load if needed, something the Cowboys need given Pollard’s injury history and the lack of a reliable second option behind him.

The Dilemma: Is Jeanty Still on the Cowboys’ Board?

While the case for Jeanty in Dallas is strong, there are also several factors that could make the Cowboys reconsider selecting him in the upcoming draft. The Cowboys’ front office and coaching staff are known for taking a meticulous, long-term approach to roster construction. This raises questions about whether Jeanty fits into their immediate and future plans, especially when you consider the following considerations:

The Running Back Value Debate

One of the most significant dilemmas facing the Cowboys is the current market for running backs in the NFL. In recent years, teams have increasingly de-emphasized the running back position in favor of more pass-heavy offenses and by investing less in the position through the draft and free agency. This trend has led to the devaluation of the running back spot, especially for players who are projected to be selected in the mid-to-late rounds.

The Cowboys may be hesitant to use a high draft pick on Jeanty due to the shifting economics of the position. While Jeanty is a talented back, some analysts believe that Dallas may be better served investing in other areas, such as defensive line, wide receiver, or offensive line, given the overall value of running backs and the Cowboys’ existing stable of backs. With the league moving toward a running back-by-committee approach, teams are finding success without investing heavily in one bell-cow back, and Dallas may follow suit.

Tony Pollard’s Role

Another factor that could complicate Jeanty’s potential fit in Dallas is the role of Tony Pollard. Pollard’s breakout season in 2022 showed that he can be a game-changing player, capable of carrying a significant load in both the running and passing game. If the Cowboys believe Pollard can maintain his status as a workhorse back and continue to thrive in a full-time role, they may not view a running back like Jeanty as an immediate need.

Pollard’s performance in the 2025 season will likely play a major role in determining whether the Cowboys target a running back like Jeanty. If Pollard struggles to stay healthy or fails to live up to his potential as the primary back, Jeanty could quickly become a much more attractive option. However, if Pollard performs well and the Cowboys feel confident in their current backfield, Jeanty may fall lower on their priority list.

Depth of the Running Back Class

Finally, the depth of the 2025 running back class could also impact the Cowboys’ decision. This year’s draft features a strong group of running backs, many of whom could be available in the later rounds. Some of these backs may be viewed as more traditional running backs, while others, like Jeanty, are more versatile and can contribute as receivers. If the Cowboys feel they can land a running back who fits their needs later in the draft, they may choose to pass on Jeanty and focus on other positions.

 Will Ashton Jeanty Land in Dallas?

The decision on whether Ashton Jeanty is still on the Cowboys’ running back board is far from simple. While Jeanty’s talents are undeniable, the Cowboys must consider several factors, including the market value of the running back position, Tony Pollard’s role, and the overall depth of the draft class. Additionally, the Cowboys must balance their need for a reliable backup with the desire to build a well-rounded, sustainable roster.

Ultimately, Jeanty’s potential in Dallas hinges on how the Cowboys view their backfield moving forward. If they’re looking for a player who can complement Pollard, bring versatility to the offense, and provide insurance in case of injury, Jeanty could be a perfect fit. However, if they feel they have other areas of greater need, Dallas might opt to address those first, with Jeanty falling off their draft board.

As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, this will remain one of the most intriguing storylines for Cowboys fans.