One of the Dallas Cowboys' biggest needs in the offseason will be improving their ability to run the football. They could draft Ashton Jeanty, but the solution may already be in the building.
Jeanty is a candidate to win the Heisman Trophy, but perhaps the Cowboys should look to use their first-round pick on a different need. FanSided's Rucker Haringey urged the team to pass on Jeanty and re-sign Rico Dowdle instead.
"Some Cowboys fans might fantasize about the team spending a first-round pick on Boise State star Ashton Jeanty, but the more prudent course of action would be to invest less money in the running back position," wrote Haringey. "There are several free agents who could prove to be interesting options for the team. A prospect who can be acquired via a later round pick could also be a shrewd acquisition."
Dowdle has 600 yards this season and went over 100 yards on Thanksgiving against the New York Giants. He is averaging 4.5 yards per carry on the year. Additionally, he has shown ability as a pass catcher with 195 yards and three touchdowns.
"Dowdle's breakout performance against the Giants does give him a platform to build on down the stretch," wrote Haringey. "It's conceivable, if not probable, that he can turn his lengthy 2024 regular season audition into a starting spot in 2025."
Jeanty will be one of the most coveted players in the draft. The Cowboys could easily take him and have a franchise running back. However, they could just as easily invest the pick into a different position and sign Dowdle for cheap. Dowdle signed with the Cowboys in 2020 as an undrafted free agent.
