After watching the NFL Combine this past weekend it is hard to advocate for the Dallas Cowboys to draft a running back with the No. 12 overall pick. Given Dallas' need for a running back and the team's history of drafting the position high, though, the Ashton Jeanty buzz is off the charts.
Jeanty did not workout at the Combine, but measured in at 5-8 and 211 pounds. The Boise State phenom is a better runner than he is an athlete, but as the consensus RB1 in the class it's easy to understand why he opted out.
Look for Jeanty to put his skills on display at his pro day. A date for that is to be determined, but the Jeanty-Cowboys buzz is alive and well even though Dallas did not formally meet with him in Indianapolis.
There was a reason for that. ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that Jeanty will be a Top 30 visit for the Cowboys. Team writer Patrik Walker noted that Jeanty will probably be a Dallas Day visit rather than a Top 30. Either way, this confirms the Cowboys will sit down with the Heisman Trophy finalist before April's draft.
Ashton Jeanty takes a major leap toward joining the Cowboys
It's worth noting, too, that Jeanty got "encouraging results" from his Combine medicals, per Fowler. We all know that a prospect's stock can crater due to poor medicals. Fowler understands that the elbow injury Jeanty suffered last season is not a long-term concern.
While it would hard to throw a fit if Jeanty is the pick at No. 12 given he could be an immediate superstar, the Combine emphasized just how deep and talented this class is.
Omarion Hampton, Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyeon Henderson, Bhayshul Tuten, RJ Harvey and DJ Giddens all boosted their respective stocks in Indy. Each of them would be strong picks on day two or three.
The list goes on. Iowa's Kaleb Johnson, Kansas' Devin Neal, Oklahoma State's Ollie Gordon and Rutgers' Kyle Monangai are all quality prospects. There is oodles of value at the position on day two and beyond and the gap between Jeanty and the other top backs isn't as vast as the draft world previously thought.
With glaring needs at defensive tackle, edge rusher, cornerback, linebacker and wide receiver, selecting a running back, even one of Jeanty's caliber, at No. 12 would be a questionable use of resources. We like to think the front office is aware of that.
Jeanty being a pre-draft visit with the Cowboys is no surprise and hardly guarantees he'll be wearing a star on his helmet. It does confirm, though, that he's on their draft radar so this storyline isn't going anywhere between now and late April.
