Ashton Jeanty is emerging as one of the premier talents for the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft, and he stands out as the top running back available.

However, with numerous teams already solid at the running back position, Jeanty may fall further down the draft board if a team with a pressing need, such as the Dallas Cowboys, opts not to draft him in the middle of the first round.

“If you look around the NFL right now, most teams have a stable. Most teams have a No. 1, No. 2. Most teams don’t have a big need at running back,” stated ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. during Thursday’s First Draft (15:00 mark). “That’s why a guy like Jeanty may drop if he gets past Dallas. It will be interesting to see where he lands, particularly since the sixth player on my board—ranked high on [Field Yates’ board]—could fall because of this. Dallas is at a pivotal point in terms of this entire mock draft and determining the trajectories of these players.”

For what it’s worth, Yates predicts that the Cowboys will select Jeanty as the 12th overall pick.

This kind of high-profile pick is exactly what Jerry Jones tends to favor, although it would diverge from the team’s recent draft approach, which has focused on more premium positions in the first round, like offensive and defensive lines or wide receivers. The last time the Cowboys selected a running back in the first round was when they picked Ezekiel Elliott in 2016.

While running back is a clear area of need, Rico Dowdle has shown promise recently, averaging 119.5 rushing yards per game over the last four contests. Is this enough of an upswing to lead the Cowboys to consider postponing their running back selection in the draft and instead opting for a complementary player for Dowdle?

Jeanty would undoubtedly enhance the Cowboys’ lineup. However, with their current 6-8 record, the team faces several other pressing needs throughout the roster. Keep an eye on Dallas, as their decision could greatly influence Jeanty’s draft position. Additionally, teams picking later in the first round, such as the Los Angeles Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, or Denver Broncos, are also potential suitors.