FRISCO — There was a time earlier in the NFL Draft process where the Dallas Cowboys looked like a near lock to select a running back with their first-round pick. The target at the No. 12 spot? Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty.
Of course, the landscape has changed since then. Jeanty's stock has risen so greatly that many projections have him coming off the board before the Cowboys are on the clock.
Without "The Frisco Kid'' available at that spot, Dallas remains in position to fill another roster need with the pick. Various wide receiver, defensive end and cornerback prospects have all been mentioned for selection in this spot.
Could a separate running back prospect change the Cowboys' mind? North Carolina's Omarion Hampton continues to generate, currently positioned with a late first-round grade. According to Fox NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Hampton met with the Cowboys on Friday.
Schultz claims Hampton is "skyrocketing'' up NFL Draft boards.
The Cowboys are not the only suitors drawn with interest. Shultz also notes that Hampton has several additional visits lined up.
Clearly, teams are collectively realizing his potential, but is he worth the pick the Cowboys have at No. 12? Taking a step back, Dallas will likely draft a running back on either Day 1, 2 or 3. They have already signed Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams, but they are hoping for an influx of younger talent to the backfield.
If they cannot have Jeanty, Hampton would be the prospect next in line. However, his grade makes him somewhat questionable at this spot. Depending on the receivers or defensive prospects who fall to No. 12, reaching on Hampton would be ill advised.
Alternatively, the Cowboys could look into trading back and landing some additional value. Just because Hampton is a consensus late first-rounder does not guarantee he would be available if Dallas moves too far back.
But the Cowboys are best suited on maximizing the value of draft capital elsewhere if they expend a first-round pick on a running back.
Sanders and Williams may not be hot names around the league. Nonetheless, the Cowboys signed them to provide stability at the running back position, opening up their options for the No. 12 pick. Simply reaching on Hampton arguably diminishes some of the leg work done ahead of the draft.
