Mock draft proposes Dallas leap to No. 5 to secure Boise State star and fill critical gap in backfield
The Dallas Cowboys may have made some noise in the offseason by signing veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but questions still loom over their running back depth chart. Neither addition has sparked overwhelming confidence, and fans are wondering if the team's offensive firepower is truly complete.
Enter Ashton Jeanty - a name that's gaining serious traction as a potential game-changer for Dallas.
Bold trade-up move proposed in latest mock draft
According to The Sporting News' senior NFL writer Vinnie Iyer, the Cowboys should swing big in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. In his latest mock, Iyer suggests Dallas trade up to the No. 5 pick, currently owned by the Jacksonville Jaguars, to select Jeanty, Boise State's standout running back and Heisman Trophy runner-up.
Iyer believes this kind of aggressive move could pay off big for a franchise that hasn't seen a dynamic first-round running back since selecting Ezekiel Elliott at No. 4 back in 2016.
"Jeanty would instantly become the centerpiece of their backfield," Iyer writes. "He has the power, vision, and versatility to revive their ground game - and give Dak Prescott a reliable target out of the backfield."
Sniping the Raiders could be key to landing Jeanty
One of the main reasons Iyer advocates for a trade-up is competition. The Las Vegas Raiders, sitting at No. 6, are also rumored to be eyeing Jeanty as their RB1 of the future. If the Cowboys want him, they may need to jump ahead of the Raiders to make it happen.
Such a move would likely cost Dallas valuable draft capital, but the long-term upside may be worth it. Jeanty's blend of explosiveness and pass-catching ability would pair perfectly with CeeDee Lamb and give Prescott another weapon to elevate the offense.
Is Jerry Jones ready to roll the dice again?
Jerry Jones has never shied away from bold draft-day moves, and if Iyer's projection holds weight, this could be his next headline-grabbing gamble. The Cowboys have a strong offensive core - but if they want to truly compete in 2025, adding a future star like Jeanty could be the final piece of the puzzle.
