Ashton Jeanty to Cowboys in Field Yates' 2025 NFL Mock Draft amid Heisman Trophy Hype

The Dallas Cowboys are still kicking themselves for not properly addressing the running back position this past offseason, but one expert expects them to rectify that in the 2025 NFL draft.

In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Field Yates predicted that the Cowboys would select Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty with the No. 12 pick.

Yates noted in his explanation of the pick that the Cowboys have other areas of need on their roster, but Jeanty is a game-changing talent who would be difficult to overlook.

"Do the Cowboys have several key issues, including at more premium positions? They unequivocally do. But Jeanty is a remarkable prospect, and this Dallas offense has been largely bereft of playmakers besides CeeDee Lamb," Yates stated. "Plus, the Cowboys are 28th in rushing (91.2 yards per game), and Rico Dowdle -- who has emerged as the team's clear-cut No. 1 back -- is a free agent this offseason."

Jeanty earned a selection as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy this season after his near-historic campaign. The junior speedster has rushed for 2,497 yards and 29 touchdowns this year, putting him just shy of Barry Sanders' NCAA single-season rushing record of 2,628. He helped lead the Broncos to a 12-1 record and a win over UNLV in the Mountain West Championship. The team is ranked No. 3 in the College Football Playoff and will face the winner of No. 6 Penn State vs. No. 11 SMU in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31.

Yates praised Jeanty's unique combination of strength and quickness, noting that he "blends breakaway speed and lateral agility to make defenders miss in the hole and then shows the supreme contact balance to absorb hits to keep on trucking." Yates also stated, "I think his receiving ability is underrated, too," pointing to his 569 receiving yards in 2023.

Landing Jeanty would give the Cowboys a reliable option behind quarterback Dak Prescott who can take pressure off the passing attack and open up more opportunities for Lamb and the rest of the receivers to make big plays.